r 


na 


o^the  OLD 
FRONTIER 

<Bv  RANDALL  PARRISH 


A  SWORD  OF 
THE  OLD  FRONTIER 


By  MR.   PARRISH 

WHEN  WILDERNESS  WAS  KING.  A  Tale 
of  the  Illinois  Country.  Illustrated  by 
the  Kinneys.  Sixth  edition. 

MY  LADY  OF  THE  NORTH.  The  Love 
Story  of  a  Gray  Jacket.  Illustrated  by 
E.  M.  Ashe.  Eighth  edition. 


A.  C.  McCLURG  &  CO.,   PUBLISHERS, 
CHICAGO. 


A  SWORD  OF 
THE  OLD  FRONTIER 

A  TALE  OF  FORT  CHARTRES  AND  DETROIT 

Being  a  Plain  Account  of  Sundry  Ad- 
ventures befalling  Chevalier  Raoul  de 
Coubert,  one  time  Captain  in  the  Hus- 
sars of  Languedoc,  during  the  year  1 763 

BY 

RANDALL   PARRISH 

Author  of  "  When  Wilderness  Was  King  "  and  "  My  Lady 
of  the  North" 

ILLUSTRATED   BY   F.   C.   YOHN  C4^) 


CHICAGO 
A.    C.    McCLURG    &    CO. 

'905 


COPYRIGHT 

A.    C.    McCLURG   &   CO. 

1905 

Entered  at  Stationers'  Hall,  London 


All  rights  reserved 
Published  October  28,  1905 


THE    UNIVERSITY   PRESS,    CAMBRIDGE,    U.S.A. 


5141554 


Contents 


CHAPTER 

I.    MONSIEUR  NEYON  DE  VILLIERS       .... 
II.    THE  DAWN  OF  TROUBLE 

III.  OLD  FORT  CHARTRES 

IV.  A  DANCE  ON  THE  OLD  FRONTIER 34 

V.    MY  LADY  OF  DISDAIN 46 

VI.    THE  MESSAGE  FOR  PONTIAC 55 

VII.    CORPORAL  CASSADI,  OF  THE  FOOT   REGIMENT  OF 

POINTIERS 68 

VIII.    ALONG  THE  WATERWAYS 83 

IX.    MAROONED 89 

X.    WE  BEGIN  A  STRUGGLE  WITH  DEATH  ....  98 

XI.     IN    THE    GRIP    OF    THE    DEATH    SWAMP    .        .        .        .  I  IO 

XII.    THE  CABIN  ON  THE   RAISIN 119 

XIII.  I  FORM  ACQUAINTANCE  WITH  OLD  ANSE  .      .      .  131 

XIV.  THE  SHADOW  OF  A  MYSTERY 143 

XV.    WHAT  I  FOUND  IN  THE  WEST  WING.      .      .      .  152 

XVI.    INTRODUCING    MONSIEUR  QUILLERIEZ     .      .      .      .  165 

XVII.    MY  LADY  CONDESCENDS 175 

XVIII.    I    ADMINISTER    CHASTISEMENT    UNTO    MONSIEUR 

QUILLERIEZ      . 189 

XIX.    THE  BLACK  LODGES  OF  THE  OTTAWAS       .      .      .  zoo 

XX.    A  VISION  OF  SAVAGERY    .          209 

V 


Contents 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXI.    MONSIEUR  QUILLERIEZ  BEARS  TESTIMONY  .     .  220 

XXII.    CONDEMNED  TO  TORTURE 234 

XXIII.  I  DISCOVER  A  NEW  COMRADE 243 

XXIV.  A  MESSAGE  FROM   MADEMOISELLE    .      .      .      .  252 
XXV.    THE  LAST  HOPE  FAILS  Us 262 

XXVI.    "A  LIVING   DOG   is   BETTER    THAN    A    DEAD 

LION" 271 

XXVII.    IN  A  RACE  FOR  LIFE 278 

XXVIII.    'TwiXT  SMILE  AND  TEAR 287 

XXIX.    IN    SEARCH    AFTER     THE    FOURTH    MADAME 

QUILLERIEZ  • 299 

XXX.    IN  THE  ROOM  ABOVE 311 

XXXI.    WHERE  LOVE  WALKED  IN  DARKNESS    .      .      .  321 

XXXII.    THE  SURPRISE  OF  DALZELL'S  MEN       .      .      .  332 

XXXIII.  BENEATH  THE  ENGLISH  FLAG 344 

XXXIV.  I  RECEIVE  NEWS  FROM  HOME 353 

XXXV.    A  PASSAGE  AT  ARMS 364 

XXXVI.    BY  AID  OF  MADEMOISELLE 375 

XXXVII.    THE  RETURN  OF  THE  PRODIGAL      ....  386 

XXXVIII.    BENEATH  THE  PURPLE  TWILIGHT    ....  398 


VI 


List  of  Illustrations^ 

PAGE 
" '  You  dare  play  with  me  ! '  thundered    Pontiac.     '  I  will 

teach  you  what   it  means  to  thus  affront  the  war- 
chief  of  the  Ottawas  ! '" Frontispiece 

"Old  Anse  laughed  —  a  grim,  mirthless  laugh,  filled  with 

cruel  exultation" 164 

"  I  felt  as  little  pity  for  the  cowardly  rascal  as  though  I 

had  strapped  up  a  venomous  snake" 312 

"  My  eyes  —  hungry  with  love  —  were  upon  that  face  be- 
side me" 400 


A  SWORD  OF 
THE  OLD  FRONTIER 

CHAPTER   I 

MONSIEUR    NEYON    DE  VILLIERS 

IT  was  a  queer  old  town,  that  Kaskaskia,  even  then 
seventy  years  established,  a  typical  French  village  of 
the  far  frontier.  However,  I  was  destined  to  gain  merely 
a  glimpse  of  it  before  the  sun  sank,  for  the  message  that 
had  brought  me  thither  was  most  urgent,  nor  was  I  in  any 
spirit  to  waste  time  with  idle  sight-seeing.  There  are  few 
things  that  quicken  action  like  an  empty  purse. 

The  whitewashed  walls  of  the  scattered  houses  —  built 
largely  of  rough-hewn  logs,  and  but  a  single  story  in  height 
—  alone  served  to  direct  my  slow  progress  along  the  narrow 
irregularity  of  street.  As  I  turned  into  the  more  deserted 
lane  leading  southward,  even  this  uncertain  guidance  failed, 
and  I  was  compelled  to  grope  through  the  blackness  like  a 
blind  man,  my  sole  assistance  that  single  faint  beam  of  light 
far  ahead.  It  was  a  rarely  black  night,  the  sky  heavily  over- 
cast with  clouds  threatening  rain,  the  little  hamlet  sunk  into 
strange  quietude  for  so  early  an  hour,  fatigued  doubtless  by 
its  late  fete.  To  my  left  a  number  of  dogs  barked  noisily, 
while  close  upon  my  right  could  be  distinguished  the  musical 
ripple  of  the  great  river  as  its  waters  lazily  lapped  the  shore. 
Nowhere  was  there  sight  or  sound  of  human  presence. 

It  may  have  been  no  more  than  a  hundred  yards  from  the 
cross-roads  to  the  threshold  of  the  "  Bon  Vin,"  but  even  a 
hundred  yards  in  such  darkness,  along  a  path  littered  with 
roots  and  stones,  is  no  small  journey.  My  temper  was  not 


io  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

of  the  best  as  I  shook  loose  the  rapier  at  my  belt,  and,  with 
caution,  swung  ajar  the  heavy  oaken  door.  What  awaited 
me  beyond  its  hiding  I  knew  not ;  it  was  well  to  be  prepared 
for  the  worst.  The  message  was  strange  and  unexpected. 
Fair  caution  is  never  unworthy  a  soldier,  so  I  peered  a 
bit  suspiciously  across  the  dimly  lighted  room  before  ven- 
turing to  set  foot  therein.  All  appeared  peaceable  enough. 
A  fairly  large  room  it  looked,  the  low  walls  whitewashed 
and  scrupulously  clean,  with  three  or  four  rough  deal  tables, 
surrounded  by  rude  benches,  occupying  the  central  space, 
while  a  short  bar  of  unplaned  slabs  stood  against  the  farther 
wall.  I  thought  the  place  entirely  deserted,  and  had  pushed 
back  the  door  and  stepped  within  the  circle  of  light,  before 
noting  the  sole  occupant.  She  stood  behind  the  low  bar, 
industriously  polishing  a  drinking-glass,  and  glanced  around 
at  me  with  so  much  of  mischief  in  her  bold  black  eyes,  that 
I  instantly  became  conscious  of  my  stained  attire  and  of 
those  gray  hairs  already  becoming  conspicuous  in  my  mous- 
tache and  along  my  temples. 

"  Fair  welcome,  Monsieur !  "  she  exclaimed  gaily,  setting 
down  the  shining  glass  upon  the  dull  slab,  and  making  me 
a  deep  curtsy.  "  The  '  Bon  Vin  *  is  greatly  honored  by  your 
coming  hither  to  taste  our  good  cheer.  This  has  been  a  dull 
night.  To  what  manner  of  drink  will  you  be  served?  Or 
would  food  prove  more  to  your  liking  ?  " 

"  I  will  sample  a  cup  of  your  sweet  wine,  Mademoiselle," 
I  answered  soberly,  placing  as  I  spoke  my  sole  remaining 
coin  upon  the  plank. 

As  she  set  the  evenly  filled  glass  at  my  elbow,  I  drew  forth 
from  within  my  doublet  that  strange  note  which  the  Indian 
had  handed  me,  and  spread  it  open  before  her  on  the  slab. 

"  Know  you  aught  as  to  the  proper  meaning  of  all  this, 
Mademoiselle  ?  " 

She  glanced  down  at  the  writing  carelessly  enough,  but 
I  imagined  I  detected  a  new  light  of  awakened  interest 


Monsieur  Neyon  De  Villiers  n 

within  her  eyes  as  they  were  again  uplifted  to  search  my 
face. 

"  He  may  be  found  yonder,"  she  announced  simply,  with 
a  brisk  nod  toward  the  back  of  the  room.  "  He  said  he 
awaited  the  coming  of  a  friend." 

"  Is  he,  then,  a  man  of  some  importance  in  these  settle- 
ments ?  "  I  questioned,  somewhat  relieved  by  her  words,  yet 
determined  to  learn  more.  "  I  am  a  stranger  to  this  region, 
Mademoiselle,  and  dislike  undertaking  any  service  knowing 
nothing  as  to  my  employer." 

She  watched  me  silently  as  I  slowly  sipped  the  red  wine, 
seemingly  not  altogether  certain  what  might  be  best  to 
answer. 

"  Your  face  is  honest  enough,"  she  responded  finally,  as 
though  satisfied  by  her  scrutiny,  "  and  you  have  about  you 
the  bearing  of  a  soldier.  Besides,  I  do  not  think  he  has  any 
wish  to  hide  his  identity,  or  he  surely  would  have  warned 
me  to  be  silent.  It  is  the  Commandant  at  Fort  Chartres  who 
awaits  your  company." 

My  heart  gave  a  bound  of  exultation ;  this  was  even  better 
than  I  had  anticipated. 

"  Monsieur  Neyon  de  Villiers  ?  " 

The  girl  nodded,  her  elbows  on  the  plank,  her  saucy  face 
smiling  up  into  my  own. 

"  You  know  him,  Monsieur  ?  " 

"  We  were  once,  long  years  ago,  members  of  the  same 
corps,  and  even  quartered  within  the  same  barracks,  yet 
have  never  personally  met.  Am  I  to  seek  him  through  yon- 
der doorway,  Mademoiselle  ?  " 

"  Ay,  Monsieur  I'officier,  down  three  steps,  and  then  the 
first  room  upon  your  right." 

The  opening  was  unusually  low,  so  that  I  was  compelled 
to  bend  upon  first  entering  it,  yet  the  passage  beyond,  al- 
though narrow,  proved  sufficiently  high.  A  few  steps  down, 
and  I  perceived  my  man.  He  was  seated  beside  a  low  table, 


12  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

which  held  a  black  bottle  and  two  glasses ;  he  was  smoking 
so  furiously  as  to  be  fairly  enveloped  in  cloud  —  a  short, 
stoutly  built  man  of  middle  age,  his  gray  hair  clipped  short, 
and  having  a  peculiarly  livid  scar  across  his  forehead. 

"  You  have  proven  yourself  fairly  prompt,  Monsieur// 
he  exclaimed  pleasantly,  as  he  surveyed  me  with  shrewd 
gray  eyes.  "  It  is  a  virtue  I  have  ever  esteemed  quite  highly. 
Pray  be  seated  that  we  may  converse  more  at  our  ease.  The 
empty  glass  yonder  is  for  your  pleasure." 

"  Monsieur  Raoul  de  Coubert  ?  "  he  questioned  at  last,  as 
if  anxious  to  reassure  himself  before  proceeding  further. 

I  bowed  in  silence,  determined  to  permit  his  leadership. 

"  One  time  Captain  in  the  Hussar  regiment  of  Languedoc  ?" 

"  Such  was  my  rank  during  the  Flemish  campaign,  and 
later  in  Italy,"  I  responded  quietly. 

"  Cashiered  for  daring  to  draw  sword  on  Colonel  le  Prince 
de  Muillet,  if  my  memory  serves  ?  " 

"  Rather  because  I  disarmed  him  at  the  first  tierce,  Mon- 
sieur de  Villiers,  after  he  had  boasted  over-loudly  of  being 
the  best  swordsman  in  the  cavalry  brigade." 

"Ah,  bien!  I  remember,"  and  the  gray  eyes  flashed  mer- 
rily. "  A  hard,  black  brute  to  his  men,  and  ever  a  merciless 
blade  in  the  field.  He  it  was  who  killed  the  lad  Lenoir,  for 
no  better  a  cause  than  that  the  poor  boy  was  pushed  against 
him  in  a  crowd.  Sacre !  whatever  of  rank  that  passage  at 
arms  may  have  cost  you,  it  lost  you  no  friendship  among  the 
soldiers  of  France.  We  laughed  De  Muillet  out  of  the  army. 
But  from  all  appearances  I  judge  this  hard  old  world  has 
not  since  been  overly  kind  with  you  ?  " 

He  asked  this  with  such  quiet  courtesy  of  manner  I  felt 
constrained  to  respond  in  the  same  spirit,  although  it  was  a 
matter  on  which  I  was  not  proud  to  dwell. 

"  I  possess  little  to  sell  save  my  sword,"  I  returned  with 
frankness.  "  The  training  of  the  French  service  scarcely  fits 
one  for  trade,  nor  had  I  any  taste  that  way,  while  younger 


Monsieur  Neyon  De  Villiers  13 

sons  are  not  apt  to  be  blessed  with  much  inheritance.  Then 
the  caprice  of  fate  led  me  into  a  bad  country  for  any  soldier 
of  fortune  to  win  gold  or  fame." 

"  True ;  yet,  certes,  it  might  be  worse.  When  one  is  ready 
to  venture  much  for  reward,  Monsieur,  this  wilderness  offers 
sufficient  of  warfare.  If,  as  you  say,  you  sought  service  in 
these  parts,  how  happened  it  you  were  not  with  us  at  Fort 
Du  Quesne,  and  the  Great  Meadows?  That  was  a  time, 
surely,  when  we  had  use  for  every  French  sword." 

"  I  was  under  orders  on  the  great  river  below,  and  heard 
naught  of  the  expedition  until  too  late  to  overtake  you.  I 
voyaged  as  far  as  Fort  Massac  at  the  head  of  twenty  men; 
but  you  had  already  passed  up  the  Ohio." 

He  smiled,  helping  himself  freely  to  the  wine,  and  push- 
ing the  bottle  toward  me. 

"  So  Monsieur  Beaujeu  informed  me,"  he  acknowledged 
quietly.  "  You  missed  much,  however,  for  it  was  a  stern 
fight ;  that  young  Washington  has  in  him  the  makings  of  a 
soldier.  But,  Monsieur,  we  waste  far  too  much  time  in 
reminiscence.  I  retain  pleasant  memory  of  you  in  the  past 
as  having  been  a  good  sword;  I  have  since  heard  you  re- 
ferred to  by  those  in  whom  I  have  confidence  as  being  worthy 
of  trust.  Yet  there  is  one  other  thing  I  need  to  ask  —  pos- 
sess you  some  skill  in  matters  of  woodcraft,  and  knowledge 
as  to  the  ways  of  savages  ?  " 

"  I  was  with  D'Artaguette  at  Yalabusha,  and  later  marched 
with  Monsieur  Celeron's  men  as  their  guide.  That  should 
count  for  something." 

"  Diable!  I  should  say  yes."  His  eyes  searched  my  face 
eagerly,  his  fingers  playing  a  tattoo  on  the  rough  table. 
"  Heard  I  not  a  rumor  somewhere  that  one  called  De 
Coubert  first  brought  D'Artaguette's  message  of  defeat  to 
Bienville,  travelling  alone  through  three  hundred  miles  of 
forest  and  waterway?  By  any  chance,  could  that  have  been 
you,  Monsieur?" 


14  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

My  face  darkened  from  the  memory,  while  for  the  moment 
my  tongue  failed  of  speech. 

"  I  was  chosen  by  both  De  Vincennes  and  Father  Senat, 
Monsieur,  to  bear  word  of  D'Artaguette's  plight  to  New 
Orleans,  yet  it  might  have  been  as  well  had  I  remained 
behind  and  died  there  with  those  brave  comrades  at  the 
stake.  Bienville  was  in  furious  humor  at  such  failure  of 
his  plan,  and  there  is  seldom  welcome  for  a  messenger  of 
defeat." 

"  Ay,  but  the  story  goes,  that  ragged  and  wounded  though 
you  were,  Bienville  despatched  you  back  to  the  Chickasaws 
with  a  message  of  defiance,  refusing  to  pay  ransom  for  their 
captives.  Ay,  and  they  say  you  went,  though  first  you  cursed 
Bienville  to  his  beard.  Holy  Mother!  how  comes  it  you 
escaped  their  vengeance  alive  ?  " 

"  Monsieur  de  Villiers,"  I  said,  my  head  bowed  upon  my 
hands,  "  the  recollection  of  those  days  fairly  maddens  me 
to  dwell  upon.  I  would  blot  them  out  for  ever  if  I  could. 
I  ran  the  gantlet,  Monsieur.  Thrice  I  raced  the  howling, 
striking  lines  of  those  red  devils,  and  once  was  even  bound 
against  the  same  blackened  stump  where  Senat  breathed  out 
his  dying  agony.  What  grim  mercy  spared  my  life  I  know 
not,  yet  is  my  body  sadly  scarred  by  both  fire  and  steel. 
When  consciousness  returned  I  was  in  a  half-breed's  hut 
on  the  banks  of  the  big  river,  burning  up  with  fever.  It 
was  there  Monsieur  Celeron  came,  with  orders  that  I  guide 
him  through  the  forest  on  his  search  for  vengeance.  I  did 
the  work  assigned  me,  although  they  bore  me  for  a  week 
upon  a  litter." 

He  stared  at  me  as  I  poured  forth  another  glass  of  wine 
and  gulped  it  down. 

"But  your  rank,  De  Coubert?  Surely  Bienville  could 
never  overlook  such  service  ?  " 

"  You  forget,  Monsieur,  that  Bienville  is  cousin  to  the 
Prince  de  Muillet." 


Monsieur  Neyon  De  Villiers  15 

"  But  France  ?  France  cannot  afford  to  fling  aside  so 
fine  a  sword,  nor  ignore  so  magnificent  a  deed." 

,1  lifted  my  hat,  and  bowed  low  in  answer. 

"  France  knows  but  little  of  what  occurs  in  this  far  wilder- 
ness, save  as  Bienville  tells  the  story." 

He  flung  his  clinched  hand  down  hard  upon  the  table, 
then  rose  and  paced  the  narrow  room,  his  strong  face  dark 
with  sudden,  ill-repressed  passion. 

"Sacre!  it  is  true!"  he  exclaimed  at  last,  savagely. 
"  France  holds  small  memory  of  her  children  exiled  into 
these  woods.  'T  is  a  pity !  There  is  a  most  noble  empire 
here  for  her  holding  did  she  only  stand  loyally  at  our  backs ; 
but  no,  she  chooses  rather  to  let  us  fight  out  the  battle  alone, 
and  leaves  us  to  perish  like  flies.  Yet,  faith,  't  is  not  France, 
but  rather  those  beribboned  and  perfumed  courtiers  who  rule 
her  King." 

He  stopped  in  his  pacing,  and  suddenly  faced  me. 

"  Speak  you  English  ?  " 

"  I  was  held  prisoner  on  parole  eight  months  in  England, 
and  thus  learned  the  tongue." 

"  Good !  Monsieur  de  Coubert,  the  time  has  come  for 
frankness  of  speech  between  us.  I  am  in  great  need  of  a 
man  like  you.  You  know  something  of  our  present  situa- 
tion in  these  colonies,  no  doubt.  The  declaration  of  peace 
between  France  and  England  at  this  time,  when  all  the  In- 
dians of  the  western  border  are  on  the  war-path  and  attack- 
ing the  English  settlements,  has  greatly  complicated  my 
situation  here  as  Commandant  of  this  Illinois  country.  It 
places  me  between  two  fires,  with  secret  orders  directly  in 
contradiction  to  those  sent  me  openly.  Sacre!  there  seems 
little  left  but  to  deal  with  others  even  as  the  King  chooses 
to  deal  with  me." 

He  paused,  glancing  about  as  if  apprehensive  of  unwel- 
come visitors. 

"  This  is  no  fit  place  in  which  to  discuss  freely  the  affairs 


1 6  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

of  state,"  he  said,  with  lowered  voice.  "  Enough  to  say, 
there  is  a  messenger  here,  a  black-faced  half-breed.  God 
knows  how  he  ever  got  through  Pontiac's  scouting  parties, 
for  they  had  my  orders  to  halt  all  such,  yet  here  he  is,  bear- 
ing impudent  orders  from  the  English  commandant  at  De- 
troit, one  Gladwyn,  that  as  leader  of  the  French  in  this  valley 
I  disavow  Pontiac,  and  use  every  endeavor  to  aid  in  his 
defeat.  Pardieu !  that  may  look  easy,  yet 't  is  not  so  written 
in  my  private  messages  from  below.  I  see  no  way  out  of 
the  mess  but  to  despatch  secret  instruction  to  the  chief,  while 
sending  at  the  same  time  fair  promises  by  the  half-breed  to 
Detroit,  and  the  private  message  must  be  the  first  to  arrive. 
We  have  but  a  small  garrison  here,  a  mere  skeleton,  and 
there  is  no  officer  at  Fort  Chartres  who  may  be  spared  while 
this  war  cloud  hovers  so  close  about  our  gates.  'T  is  like 
to  prove  a  desperate  mission,  across  many  a  league  of  lonely 
wilderness;  but  I  pledge  you  my  word  as  a  soldier  that  if 
it  be  rightly  accomplished  the  whole  brave  story  shall  reach 
the  ears  of  the  King." 

He  stopped  in  his  rapid  speech,  his  eyes  fixed  inquiringly 
upon  me.  I  knew  De  Villiers  as  both  courtier  and  soldier, 
and  had  my  doubts. 

"  You  say  you  possess  private  instruction  to  ignore  the 
peace  pact  ?  "  I  questioned,  a  bit  incredulously. 

He  nodded  silently. 

"  Monsieur,  I  do  not  question  your  truth  in  the  least,  yet 
this  is  a  most  delicate  matter,  and  if  I  could  see  such  word 
written  down  it  would  do  much  to  decide  me." 

"  You  shall  see  to-morrow.  You  are  willing,  then,  to 
venture  your  life  for  France,  and  such  small  reward  as  I 
may  offer  ?  " 

"  I  have  never  valued  it  over  highly." 

"  I  thought  as  much.  You  may  meet  with  me  at  Chartres 
to-morrow  night." 

I  smiled,  yet  it  was  not  altogether  from  pleasure. 


Monsieur  Neyon  De  Villiers  17 

"  Unless,  perchance,  I  starve  in  the  meanwhile,  Monsieur." 

For  the  moment  he  stared  at  me,  as  if  striving  to  interpret 
my  meaning.  Then  his  stern  eyes  wandered  down  over  my 
rough  dress. 

"  Is  it  really  as  bad  as  that,  mon  camarade  ?  "  he  inquired 
kindly.  "  'T  is  indeed  hard  lines  to  befall  so  tried  a  soldier. 
Let  this  purse  be  as  your  own  until  I  can  give  you  larger 
pay,  for  France  is  far  deeper  in  your  debt  than  these  few 
pieces  of  gold.  And  now,  Monsieur,  I  trust  you  to  be 
prompt  at  our  rendezvous." 

We  arose  together,  and  our  hands  met.  A  moment  later 
he  strode  heavily  from  the  room,  his  sword  clanking  along 
the  stones  of  the  passage,  and  I  sank  back  to  reflect  upon 
the  future. 


CHAPTER   II 

THE  DAWN   OF   TROUBLE 

THE  situation,  as  thus  briefly  outlined,  was  very  far 
from  satisfactory.  That  De  Villiers  was  two-faced 
in  his  dealings  with  the  English  he  had  with  great  frank- 
ness confessed,  doubtless  led  thereto  through  his  faith  in 
my  unquestioned  loyalty  to  the  secret  designs  of  France. 
But,  if  he  was  so  deceitful  in  this  matter,  what  reasonable 
hope  could  I  entertain  that  he  would  remain  faithful  to  me  ? 
A  soldier  by  training,  yet  a  wily  diplomat  by  nature,  the 
probability  was  exceedingly  strong  that  he  would  use  me 
for  sly  purposes  of  his  own,  and  then  as  carelessly  drop 
me  as  being  of  no  further  value.  Besides,  the  service  re- 
quired did  not  in  the  least  appeal  to  my  sense  of  right.  I 
was  a  soldier,  discredited,  to  be  sure,  by  the  authorities  of 
my  own  land,  and  ready  enough  to  sell  my  sword  in  any 
honorable  quarrel,  yet  nevertheless  a  gentleman,  retaining 
self-respect,  with  a  certain  sense  of  honor.  War  was  one 
thing,  identification  with  red  banditti  entirely  another;  and 
I  could  not  completely  shake  off  the  haunting  remembrance 
that  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  the  news  of  which  had  just  reached 
us,  had  ended  all  open  conflict  between  France  and  England. 
This  proposed  encouragement  of  Pontiac  was  then  no  less, 
stripped  of  its  fair  language,  than  incitement  to  murder. 
Personally,  all  my  sympathies  in  such  a  situation  were  with 
the  whites,  no  matter  under  what  color  of  flag  they  strove, 
and  I  swore  between  my  clinched  teeth  at  thought  of  the 
miserable  work  thus  coolly  assigned  me. 

Still,  what  could  I  do?    De  Villiers  had  intimated  that 
this  was  the  will  of  the  King ;  he  had  even  pledged  his  word 


The  Dawn  of  Trouble  19 

to  show  me  his  authority.  I,  could  demand  from  him  a 
written  memorandum,  giving  me  commission,  which  the 
French  government  would  never  dare  to  ignore.  Besides, 
any  mere  message  which  I  might  carry  would  have  small 
result  on  that  campaign  already  begun,  while,  once  within 
Pontiac's  camp,  as  an  accredited  officer  of  France,  my  in- 
fluence could  be  safely  exerted  toward  mercy.  Then  there 
was  another  thing  I  could  scarcely  be  indifferent  to  —  I 
needed  the  money,  the  power,  the  position  such  an  achieve- 
ment, if  once  successfully  accomplished,  would  assuredly 
bring  me.  This  was  the  circumstance  which1  finally  deter- 
mined my  action.  Yes,  I  would  go,  provided  De  Villiers 
played  fair  with  me  upon  the  morrow;  I  would  bear  his 
message  with  all  circumspection,  but  when  once  within  the 
Indian  camp  I  should  reserve  to  myself  the  privilege  of 
acting  as  I  deemed  best  for  the  honor  of  France. 

I  arose  to  my  feet  wearied  with  reflection,  and  passed  out 
into  the  deserted  passageway.  The  door  at  the  upper  end 
stood  partially  ajar,  and  voices  reaching  me  bore  instant 
witness  that  the  tap-room  was  now  occupied  by  revellers. 
I  could  hear  the  clinking  of  glasses  against  the  tables,  with 
an  occasional  oath  and  burst  of  loud  laughter.  Then  a 
voice,  speaking  a  strangely  atrocious  French  jargon,  reached 
my  ears  and  held  me  poised  upon  the  steps  to  listen. 

"  Poof !  "  it  ejaculated  harshly,  in  that  coarseness  of  ut- 
terance characteristic  of  a  big  man  in  liquor.  "  You  are  all 
brave  men  enough  out  here.  Any  cock  can  crow  on  his  own 
dunghill.  With  five,  hundred  miles  of  wilderness  stretching 
between  you  and  the  English  garrisons,  and  Pontiac's  hos- 
tiles  holding  back  the  red-coats,  you  are  all  bold  enough, 
boasting  of  what  you  will  do  if  ever  they  venture  to  invade 
this  sacred  Illinois  country.  But  the  whole  of  you  will 
turn  squaws  at  sight  of  their  bayonets.  Let  me  tell  you,  I 
have  seen  those  English  fellows  fight,  and  they  are  certain 
to  come  even  here  to  the  great  river,  and  then  you  will  sing 


20  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

about  peace  like  so  many  turtle  doves,  just  as  your  King  has 
done,  over  in  Paris.  Pardieu!  this  is  all  English  country 
now,  even  that  fine  fort  up  yonder  flaunting  the  fleur  de  Us." 

The  fellow,  whoever  he  was,  must  have  been  thoroughly 
intoxicated  to  have  ventured  upon  so  boasting  a  speech.  I 
heard  a  stir,  as  of  men  getting  hastily  upon  their  feet,  and 
a  snarl  of  angry  voices.  Someone  spoke  out  tauntingly 
above  the  uproar. 

"  But  not  yet  taken,  Black  Peter,  and  unless  you  hold  your 
foul,  bragging  tongue  better,  there  is  one  half-breed  English- 
man who  shall  feel  the  cut  of  a  French  knife." 

The  other  laughed  contemptuously,  as  though  assured  of 
safety. 

"  Say  you  so,  Parley- Voo?"  he  questioned  in  blunt  deri- 
sion, an  open  insult  in  every  tone  of  his  voice.  "  And  yet 
I  fail  to  tremble  before  so  bold  a  threat.  Shall  I  tell  you 
why?  Well,  this  is  it.  Monsieur  de  Villiers  would  have  a 
cordon  of  his  soldiers  out  hunting  after  you  in  the  morning 
if  any  one  of  you  dared  to  lay  hands  on  me.  'T  is  not  his 
policy  to  permit  an  English  messenger  to  be  murdered  while 
under  his  protection.  Sacre!  he  might  not  greatly  care 
about  preserving  my  life,  but  it  would  prove  unpleas- 
ant explaining,  and  Monsieur  de  Villiers  knows  very  well 
that  all  I  claim  is  true.  Pish !  is  it  not  all  written  out 
plain  in  the  Treaty  of  Paris  ?  But  't  is  like  you  lads  cannot 
read." 

"  Monsieur  de  Villiers  is  at  Fort  Chartres,"  growled  the 
French  champion  sullenly.  "  He  would  know  little  how  such 
a  blow  was  struck  here  in  Kaskaskia." 

"  Oh,  indeed  ?  Sacre !  but  you  are  a  bright  lot,  a  fine 
bright  lot!  Monsieur  de  Villiers  passed  out  of  yonder  door 
scarce  twenty  minutes  ago.  It  chances  to  be  my  duty  just 
now  to  keep  watchful  eye  on  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  Let 
me  tell  you,  sleepy  heads,  he  has  but  just  had  converse  in 
a  back  room  yonder  with  a  renegade  and  reckless  French- 


The  Dawn  of  Trouble  21 

man  about  this  same  matter.    Holy  saints !  it  seems  he  also 
has  grave  need  of  a  messenger." 

These  words,  sneering,  derisive,  almost  threatening  in 
their  scarcely  veiled  insult,  stiffened  my  purpose  instantly. 
Whichever  side  might  be  right  or  wrong  an  instinctive 
hatred  of  this  unseen  Pierre  Noir  surged  up  into  my  heart, 
and  immediately  the  coming  struggle  between  us  became  a 
personal  one.  If  this  vain  boasting  brute  was  destined  to 
be  my  opponent,  then  he  should  test  my  quality  to  the  full. 
Even  his  rasping  French  caused  me  to  hate  him,  while  his 
sneering  insolence  set  my  blood  aflame.  He  might  hold  back 
and  overawe  that  rabble  of  voyageurs  and  coureurs  de  bois 
by  his  boasted  authority  as  an  English  messenger  under 
protection  of  the  commandant  at  Fort  Chartres,  b.ut  he  had 
better  keep  both  tongue  and  hand  from  me. 

I  silently  swung  back  the  half-opened  door  and  stepped 
forth  into  the  large  room,  casting  one  rapid  glance  about 
over  its  rough  occupants,  before  crossing  the  vacant  space 
to  the  bar.  I  was  no  brawler  seeking  a  quarrel,  nor  was  I 
disposed  just  then  to  accept  meekly  any  manner  of  insult 
from  such  a  low-bred,  drunken  cur.  There  were  six  or 
seven  present  —  the  fat-faced,  bald-headed  landlord  behind 
the  shelf,  a  few  ordinary-looking  young  fellows  in  pictur- 
esque frontier  costumes  clustered  near  the  tables,  while  lean- 
ing against  the  slab,  and  fronting  them  defiantly,  a  sneer  of 
derision  curling  his  thick  lips,  stood  a  perfect  giant  of  a 
man,  his  visage  dark  as  that  of  any  Indian,  with  long  black 
hair  dangling  upon  his  shoulders  and  tied  carelessly  back 
with  a  narrow  black  string.  My  sudden  and  totally  unex- 
pected entrance  hushed  the  startled  concourse  into  silence. 
For  an  instant  my  eyes  met  fairly  those  of  the  English  mes- 
sage bearer,  and  we  understood  each  other.  Then  I  turned 
to  greet  the  others  in  frank  border  fashion. 

"  Good  evening,  Messieurs,"  I  said  quietly,  resolved  to 
test  the  Englishman's  mettle  without  more  delay.  "  No 


22  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

doubt  you  will  be  glad  to  join  me  in  drinking  a  glass  of 
good  wine  to  the  success  of  Pontiac." 

There  was  an  instant  outburst  of  laughter,  and  they  gath- 
ered close  about  me  in  front  of  the  bar,  eager  enough  no 
doubt  to  be  thus  pleasantly  relieved  of  their  quarrel.  The 
Canadian  half-breed,  for  such  I  knew  him  at  once  to  be, 
scowled  sullenly,  his  face  a  thunder-cloud,  but  made  no 
move  to  join  us. 

"  Come,  Monsieur,"  I  said  tauntingly,  knowing  well  what 
words  would  cut  his  pride  the  deepest.  "  You  are  scarcely 
one  to  let  good  liquor  go  to  waste,  and,  unless  appearances 
greatly  deceive  my  eyes,  you  have  far  more  than  a  single 
drop  of  Indian  blood  coursing  through  your  veins.  You 
ought  gladly  then  to  unite  in  my  toast  for  the  success  of 
your  people." 

In  sudden,  uncontrollable  anger  the  fellow  lifted  the  empty 
glass  which  had  been  standing  beside  him,  and  flung  it 
crashing  against  the  log  wall. 

"  What  else  I  have  is  good  enough  English,"  he  retorted 
hoarsely,  his  angry  eyes  on  my  face.  "  And  I  drink  not  to 
that  red  murderer." 

"  Oh,  just  as  you  please,  my  friend.  Yet  I  venture  to 
assert  you  did  not  talk  so  boldly  while  on  your  way  hither 
from  Detroit.  Come,  Monsieur,  confess  that  you  even  passed 
yourself  off  as  a  peaceful  French  voyageur  in  order  to  get 
through  those  same  guarding  Indian  lines." 

"  And  if  I  did,  whose  business  ?  " 

I  shrugged  my  shoulders  carelessly. 

"  None  here,  I  am  sure ;  yet  't  is  most  marvellous  how 
brave  you  become  when  once  safe  beneath  the  protection  of 
Monsieur  de  Villiers.  A  trifle  more  of  modesty  might  be 
becoming." 

There  was  a  look  in  his  eyes  foreboding  trouble,  and  his 
great  hairy  hand  gripped  nervously  at  the  hilt  of  a  knife 
within  his  belt.  The  young  fellows  noted  the  movement, 


The  Dawn  of  Trouble  23 

and  edged  aside  so  as  to  leave  free  space  between  us,  but 
I  merely  smiled  back  into  his  scowling  black  face,  and  lifted 
my  glass  of  red  wine.  Faith,  I  held  him  in  such  utter  con- 
tempt as  to  make  him  squirm  beneath  it.  A  look  can  oft- 
times  cut  more  deeply  than  speech,  yet  be  harder  far  to 
resent  openly. 

"  Landlord,  a  room !  "  I  exclaimed  presently,  setting  down 
my  emptied  glass.  "  A  clean  and  quiet  room  where  I  may 
find  rest.  I  ride  for  Monsieur  de  Villiers  upon  the  morrow." 

I  grasped  the  sputtering  fragment  of  candle  he  extended 
to  me  across  the  board,  and  turned  to  go  away.  As  I  did 
so  the  half-breed  moved  suddenly,  his  elbow  striking  the 
light  so  smart  a  blow  that  the  candle  fell  from  out  its  shal- 
low socket  to  the  floor.  It  was  done  so  brazenly,  with  such 
an  accompanying  sneer  of  insult  wreathing  the  thick  lips, 
that  to  ignore  it  was  impossible. 

"  Monsieur  becomes  awkward,"  I  remarked  quietly,  gaz- 
ing straight  into  his  eyes.  "  Most  strangely  awkward.  I 
will  show  Monsieur  it  is  not  always  safe." 

With  one  quick  swing  of  the  pewter  candlestick  I  struck 
him  squarely  between  the  eyes,  and  he  went  down,  stumbling 
blindly,  his  gleaming  knife  half  drawn  from  out  its  leathern 
sheath.  Another  instant  and  he  was  upon  his  feet  once 
more,  dashing  the  blood  from  his  eyes  and  snarling  with 
rage,  as  he  sprang  fiercely  forward  to  grip  me. 

"  You  damned  French  renegade !  "  he  shouted  hoarsely, 
forgetting  all  previous  caution.  "  I  heard  enough  of  your 
talk  with  Monsieur  de  Villiers  to  understand  your  little 
game,  but  now  he  '11  hunt  another  messenger  for  Pontiac." 

My  rapier  was  free  of  its  scabbard  by  this  time,  and  as 
he  flung  up  his  wicked  blade  for  onset  I  struck  his  wrist 
with  the  flat  of  it  so  tough  a  blow  the  flickering  steel  fell 
rattling  to  the  floor,  and  I  promptly  placed  my  foot  upon  it. 

"  It  will  be  far  safer  for  you  to  stand  back,  Monsieur, 
well  out  of  reach  of  my  point,"  I  said  in  rare  good  humor, 


24  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  or  you  might  get  a  prick  in  that  black  Indian  hide  hard 
to  heal.  You  have  had  your  lesson  in  politeness ;  it  is 
enough.  Sacre !  I  am  a  gentleman  of  France;  I  do  not 
fight  such  half-breed  dogs  as  you." 

I  think  I  never  before  looked  upon  such  a  face  as  his,  one 
so  distorted  by  mad  passion,  so  crazed  for  revenge.  The 
froth  fairly  oozed  from  his  lips  as  though  he  were  a  rabid 
dog,  yet  he  retained  sufficient  sense  to  remain  quiet  while 
I  lashed  him,  his  great  hands  gripping  each  other  in  im- 
potent desire  to  break  past  my  shining  blade  and  close  upon 
my  throat. 

"  So,  Monsieur  Black  Peter,"  I  went  on,  studying  his  eyes 
intently  that  I  might  quickly  read  his  purpose,  "  you  are  not 
only  an  English  courier  —  an  honest  message-bearer  from 
Detroit  —  but  also  a  sneaking  English  spy,  taking  advantage 
of  Monsieur  de  Villiers's  hospitality  to  learn  his  secrets  ?  I 
thought  as  much,  and  am  glad  to  know  the  dirty  cur  you 
are.  Now  I  can  race  against  you  with  clean  conscience. 
So  you  stole  your  way  into  this  Illinois  country  pretending 
to  be  a  French  half-breed,  and  when  the  Commandant  trusted 
you  as  an  honorable  messenger  from  Gladwyn,  you  dogged 
his  footsteps,  spied  upon  him,  and  listened  at  the  door  where 
he  held  private  converse  with  another  ?  Pardieu !  I  should 
be  justified  in  spitting  you  where  you  stand;  but  no,  I  would 
far  rather  laugh  at  you,  play  with  you  as  a  cat  does  with 
a  helpless  mouse,  and  then,  perchance,  if  ever  it  prove  worth 
my  while,  turn  you  over  for  Pontiac  to  see  if  he  can  stir 
your  mongrel  blood  to  beg  for  mercy." 

I  drew  his  knife  slowly  back  with  my  moccasined  foot 
until  I  could  reach  it  without  danger  of  uncovering  my 
guard. 

"  Take  charge  of  this  sweet  weapon,"  I  said  to  the  land- 
lord, sticking  it  point  down  in  the  slab.  "  Our  valiant  friend 
here  might  cut  himself  unless  it  be  well  guarded.  Now 
another  candle,  mine  host;  and  if  this  sneaking  Indian 


The  Dawn  of  Trouble  25 

dog  ventures  to  howl  again  this  night,  call  me,  and,  by  my 
faith,  I  will  tell  De  Villiers  the  whole  black  tale  of  his  foul 
treachery.  Pardieu,  friend  Peter,  were  I  to  do  that,  I  greatly 
fear  you  might  never  see  your  beloved  Detroit  again." 

"  It  would  cost  you  dear  enough,"  he  muttered  sullenly, 
his  roving  glance  proof  that  he  was  already  well  subdued. 

"  Pish !  Don't  waste  time  with  threats  here.  We  are  too 
far  removed  from  your  red-coats  to  count  the  cost.  Besides, 
I  opine  they  would  risk  precious  little  for  your  black  skin, 
Yet  if  you  hold  your  tongue  I  pledge  you  I  will  hold  mine 
—  I  fight  my  battles  in  the  open,  Monsieur ;  I  am  no  half- 
breed." 

Whatever  small  fear  I  may  have  at  first  felt  regarding  him 
was  completely  gone  by  now.  The  veiled  threat  of  turning 
him  over  to  De  Villiers's  vengeance,  together  with  the  re- 
turning courage  of  the  coureurs  de  bois  clustered  together  in 
the  room,  and  already  fingering  their  knives,  had  effectually 
robbed  the  fellow  of  any  desire  for  further  quarrelling.  No 
doubt  he  thirsted  greedily  enough  to  sink  steel  in  my  body, 
yet  discretion  had  mastered  that  first  mad  craving  for  re- 
venge. I  read  much  in  his  eyes  —  that  implacable  Indian 
hatred  which  could  patiently  bide  its  time  in  relentless 
cruelty,  to  plot  in  darkness  and  strike  in  stealth.  But  for 
that  I  cared  little;  such  enmity  was  not  unusual  along  the 
border,  and  quite  generally  came  to  naught. 

How  little  I  conceived  all  that  lurked  behind  the  vindic- 
tive scowl  with  which  he  watched  me  leave  the  room.  And 
as  I  slept  in  soundness,  no  dream  came  winging  through  the 
night  shadows  to  bring  me  faintest  warning  of  those  lives 
endangered,  those  bitter  days  and  nights  of  trial  to  be 
born  of  that  brief  quarrel  into  which  a  foolish  pride  had 
cast  me  headlong.  Pish !  't  is  on  such  trivial  things  —  a 
sneer,  a  word,  a  blow  —  our  strange  lives  pivot,  and  we  only 
know  their  ending  when  the  chance  to  smile  is  gone. 


CHAPTER   III 

OLD  FORT   CHARTRES 

I  COVERED  the  twenty-two  miles  lying  between  Kas- 
kaskia  and  the  fort  very  easily  the  following  morning, 
mounted  upon  the  back  of  a  fat  diminutive  pony,  gladly 
loaned  me  by  the  complaisant  landlord  of  the  "  Bon  Vin," 
whose  eagerness  to  oblige  a  friend  of  Monsieur  de  Villiers 
made  him  reckless  as  to  consequences.  It  was  a  well-worn 
trail,  sweeping  somewhat  away  from  the  river  bank  onto 
the  highland  of  the  prairie,  and  flanked  upon  either  side,  for 
nearly  the  entire  distance,  with  those  long  narrow  fields  of 
cultivation,  ever  an  evidence  of  French  occupancy.  Of 
houses  there  were  none  visible  beyond  the  village  limits, 
yet  I  met  with  numerous  travellers  along  the  way,  including 
several  black  slaves  and  an  Indian  or  two.  Indeed  I  enjoyed 
the  trip  immensely,  for  it  was  pleasant  once  again  to  hear 
the  rattle  of  gold  within  my  purse,  and  to  realize  I  was 
safely  embarked  upon  active  service.  The  angry  controversy 
with  the  half-breed  the  evening  before  had  given  new  zest 
to  the  coming  adventure,  and  served  to  overcome  many 
qualms  of  conscience.  But  what  business  had  I  to  moral- 
ize ?  Leave  that  to  the  priests,  and  to  those  with  full  purses. 
This  late  peace  pact  signed,  no  other  opportunity  for  em- 
ployment would  be  likely  to  arise.  It  had  resolved  itself 
into  a  very  simple  problem  —  either  service  under  Monsieur 
de  Villiers,  or  starvation.  Sacre!  I  had  tried  that  last 
before. 

As  I  thus  drew  near,  slowly  revolving  these  considera- 
tions in  my  mind,  Fort  Chartres  suddenly  appeared  upon  a 


Old  Fort  Chartres  27 

slight  eminence  at  the  end  of  the  trail.  It  proved  to  be  a 
vast  and  imposing  fortification  for  that  far  western  country ; 
indeed,  I  have  since  heard  it  said,  no  other  its  equal  stood 
at  that  date  in  all  the  country  of  North  America.  Certainly 
there  was  none  to  my  knowledge,  and  I  have  travelled  some- 
what widely.  It  had  been  erected  at  great  expense,  both  of 
money  and  labor,  and  rumor  said  unscrupulous  contractors 
had  robbed  the  French  war-chest  of  many  a  round  gold 
piece  by  overcharge  and  faulty  workmanship.  Mayhap  so; 
yet  it  was  no  less  a  strong,  defensive  work,  never  thoroughly 
completed,  yet  one  of  which  France  at  that  early  day  might 
be  justly  proud. 

The  fort  walls  crowned  a  considerable  mound  of  earth, 
whether  natural  or  artificial  I  failed  to  learn,  and  stood  at 
the  time  of  my  visit  about  a  musket  shot  removed  from  the 
river  bank,  although  I  was  told  the  course  of  the  river  was 
at  one  time  much  farther  distant.  Its  general  shape  was 
that  of  an  irregular  quadrangle,  the  exterior  sides  measur- 
ing not  far  from  five  hundred  feet,  built  entirely  of  stone 
quarried  from  out  the  neighboring  bluffs,  and  then  carefully 
plastered  over.  These  walls,  being  designed  merely  as  de- 
fences against  Indian  attack,  were  scarcely  more  than  two 
feet  in  thickness,  pierced  with  loopholes  at  regular  intervals, 
with  two  portholes  for  cannon  in  the  faces,  and  two  in  the 
flanks  of  each  bastion.  The  ditch  was  not  completed,  and 
water  had  never  been  turned  into  it.  The  entrance  led 
through  a  handsome  rustic  gate,  while  along  the  walls  upon 
the  inside  stretched  a  narrow  banquette,  about  three  feet 
high,  upon  which  the  defenders  might  stand  while  safely 
firing  through  convenient  loopholes. 

The  buildings  within  were  mostly,  if  not  entirely,  of  log 
construction,  although  having  strong  foundations  of  stone, 
and  consisted  of  the  detached  houses  of  the  Commandant 
and  the  Commissary,  the  magazine  of  stores,  corps  de 
garde,  and  two  extensive  barracks.  These  occupied  three 


28  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

sides  of  the  square  surrounding  the  open  parade.  Within  the 
gorges  of  the  bastions  were  the  powder  magazine,  a  bake- 
house, and  a  prison,  whose  lower  floor  contained  two  dun- 
geons. These  were  all  substantially  built,  the  rooms  being 
large  and  spacious.  The  storehouse  and  guardhouse  were 
especially  noticeable,  being  each  thirty  yards  long  and  eight 
wide,  while  beneath  the  entire  length  of  the  former  ex- 
tended a  huge  vaulted  cellar.  From  the  summit  of  the  walls 
the  view  without  was  extensive  both  up  and  down  the  river, 
while  the  eye  might  travel  far  in  other  directions  across 
the  open  prairie  land,  which  was  almost  devoid  of  timber, 
save  little  fringes  along  the  water-courses. 

But  the  unquestioned  strength  of  this  fortification  —  this 
bulwark  of  French  power  in  the  Mississippi  valley,  this 
seat  of  government  for  the  Illinois  country  —  was  in  no 
way  enhanced,  to  my  notion,  by  the  vigilance  and  discipline 
of  its  present  garrison.  Never  witnessed  I  such  supreme 
carelessness,  such  utter  negligence  at  so  exposed  a  post. 
The  heavy  oaken  gates  stood  wide  ajar,  while  through  them 
flowed,  unheeded  and  unchecked,  an  almost  constant  stream 
of  miscellaneous  humanity.  To  be  sure,  a  single  sentry 
stood  between  the  posts  and  idly  scanned  the  faces,  while 
lounging  lazily  against  the  side  of  a  rude  box  shelter.  He 
was  a  grizzled  moustache,  attired  in  the  light-blue  uniform 
of  the  line;  yet  with  his  white  small-clothes  so  stained,  and 
his  cockaded  hat  so  disreputable  from  dust,  I  scarcely  con- 
ceived him  placed  in  such  prominence  as  a  mere  ornament, 
but  could  perceive  no  visible  signs  of  usefulness.  I  passed 
him,  as  had  the  others,  without  questioning,  and  rode  un- 
challenged forth  upon  the  esplanade. 

This  was  crowded  by  a  varied  multitude,  talking  a  medley 
of  tongues,  jostling  each  other  hither  and  thither  in  rare 
good  humor,  amid  much  rude  joking  and  boisterous  laugh- 
ter. Near  the  centre,  clustered  about  the  high  flagstaff,  on 
which  the  French  fleur  de  Us  yet  flaunted  defiantly,  were 


Old  Fort  Chartres  29 

gathered  a  dozen  or  more  of  merchants  from  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  Cahokia,  and  Kaskaskia,  bargaining  noisily  for 
skins  with  a  collection  of  Indians  representing  various  tribes, 
some  of  them  from  the  far-off  country  of  the  Missouri.  Upon 
the  trampled  ground  at  their  feet  had  been  piled  a  hetero- 
geneous collection  of  cheap  guns,  hatchets,  knives,  and  gaily 
decorated  blankets,  to  be  used  for  purposes  of  exchange 
and  barter.  Beyond  this  inner  circle  there  constantly  passed 
and  repassed  every  familiar  type  of  that  old  frontier. 

I  reined  in  my  willing  pony  and  sat  there,  watching  all 
this  curiously.  Stalwart  swarthy  Indians,  some  feathered 
and  painted,  others  in  almost  total  nudeness  except  for  the 
inevitable  breech  clout,  stalked  freely  about  everywhere, 
silent  and  observing,  each  movement  of  their  gleaming 
bodies,  and  stealthy  glance,  a  reflection  of  that  vast  wilder- 
ness from  whence  they  came.  Soldiers,  mostly  unarmed  and 
attired  in  motley  garb,  mingled  carelessly  amid  cultivators 
of  the  soil  from  near-by  valleys,  or  coureurs  de  bois  from 
out  the  dense  forests.  Voyageurs  in  picturesque  costumes 
were  numerous,  with  here  and  there  an  adventurer  more 
difficult  to  locate  —  wanderers  from  far-off  New  Orleans 
and  along  the  southern  rivers,  with,  perchance,  a  venture- 
some representative  of  those  foreign  colonies  to  the  east- 
ward, or  a  dark-browed  Spaniard  from  the  western  plains. 
Nor  was  there  any  lack  of  women.  Here  and  there  I  caught 
flitting  glimpses  of  quality  in  high-heeled  shoe  and  laced  pet- 
ticoat, as  some  maid  or  matron  tripped  lightly  across  the  little 
plot  of  grass  from  the  officers'  quarters  beyond.  But  prin- 
cipally those  I  noted  were  from  the  fields  and  villages  round 
about,  brown  of  face,  sturdy  of  limb,  and  barefooted,  yet 
with  smiling  dark  eyes,  and  generally  fair  to  look  upon. 
Others,  with  bold  flushed  faces  and  flaunting  ribbons,  their 
light  moccasins  gaily  ornamented  with  brilliants  or  por- 
cupine quills,  their  voices  loud  and  strident,  were  easily 
recognized  as  emigrants  from  the  Salpetriere  and  the  other 


30  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

hospitals  of  Paris,  while  in  the  midst  of  them  all  were  ever 
conspicuous  the  black  robes  of  Jesuit  priests,  and  the  dull- 
brown  habits  of  sisters  from  the  Ursuline  convent. 

This  very  display  of  dress,  varied  as  it  was  from  individ- 
ual taste  and  workmanship,  yet  plainly  bespoke  isolation 
from  marts  of  trade  and  fashion.  The  majority  of  the  men 
were  most  simply  attired  in  pantaloons  of  coarse  blue  cloth, 
their  shirts  bearing  grotesquely  wide  collars,  oftentimes 
decorated  with  a  profusion  of  silver  braid,  while  colored 
handkerchiefs  folded  in  form  of  a  turban  held  back  their 
coarse  black  hair.  Occasionally  a  coureur  de  bois  would 
stride  past  decked  out  in  Indian  bravery,  and  there  were 
others  wearing  deerskin  hunting-shirts  and  heavily  fringed 
leggings.  The  women  were  principally  bareheaded,  clothed 
in  antique  short  waist,  with  petticoats  of  varied  colors  but 
rude  material.  Yet  there  were  those  among  them,  more 
acutely  conscious  of  their  charms,  who  sported  handker- 
chiefs of  fancy  coloring,  wreathed  about  with  bright  rib- 
bons, or  even  with  freshly  plucked  wild  flowers.  And  they 
all  appeared  like  so  many  children  in  their  gay  abandon, 
thoughtless  of  every  surrounding  other  than  the  pleasure 
of  the  passing  moment.  The  air  fairly  rang  with  laughter 
and  shouts  of  happy  greeting,  while  the  incessant  chatter 
of  tongues  echoed  gaily  upon  every  side.  Above  this  noisy 
din,  ever  ebbing  and  flowing  about  me,  I  could  distinguish 
the  distant  sound  of  violins,  and  here  and  there  I  caught 
a  glimpse  of  skirts  where  some  reckless  group  yielded  im- 
pulsively to  the  witchery  of  the  music. 

I  gazed  about  upon  it  all  in  silent  enjoyment,  wondering 
what  celebration  or  fete  day  could  account  for  so  large  a 
gathering.  As  I  rested  thus,  unconscious  of  aught  but  the 
happy  crowd  surging  around  me,  a  hand  suddenly  touched 
my  sleeve.  Glancing  aside,  my  eyes  fell  upon  an  officer  of 
the  line,  most  nattily  dressed  in  immaculate  uniform,  a 
dandified  young  fellow,  his  brown  moustache  curling  up- 


Old  Fort  Chartres  31 

ward  until  the  waxed  ends  seemed  to  disappear  amid  the 
luxuriant  locks  crowning  his  head. 

"Captain  de  Coubert?"  he  inquired  with  a  polite  bow 
and  a  slight  shrug  of  the  shoulders. 

I  nodded,  and  accepted  his  quickly  extended  hand. 

"  I  am  Lieutenant  Lassieur,  temporarily  in  charge  of  this 
garrison,"  he  said  in  explanation,  his  soft  voice  containing 
a  slight  drawl  of  laziness.  "  A  courier  from  Monsieur  de 
Villiers  advised  me  of  your  probable  arrival." 

"  Monsieur  de  Villiers  then  has  not  yet  returned  ? " 

"  He  has  been  unexpectedly  detained  at  Cahokia,  but  will 
arrive  during  the  evening.  Meanwhile  he  requests  me  to 
offer  you  every  accommodation."  He  leaned  forward,  low- 
ering his  voice.  "  Among  other  things,  the  Commandant 
suggested  that  it  might  prove  safer  were  you  to  appear 
among  the  people  here  merely  as  a  stray  coureur  de  bois, 
and  not  as  a  French  officer.  Undoubtedly  you  will  compre- 
hend at  once  the  wisdom  of  this  temporary  deception." 

The  aroused  curiosity  of  the  fellow  was  sufficiently  ap- 
parent, but  I  perceived  no  valid  need  for  gratifying  it. 

"  If  Monsieur  de  Villiers  deems  such  a  course  to  be  best," 
I  responded  simply,  "  I  can  certainly  have  no  reason  to 
object  to  his  plans.  Indeed,  about  all  the  change  required 
for  the  successful  assumption  of  that  character  would  seem 
to  be  the  laying  aside  of  my  rapier,  and  assuming  a  colored 
handkerchief  for  my  hair;  no  doubt  that  requirement  can 
easily  be  supplied." 

He  laughed  lightly,  shrugging  his  shoulders  and  twisting 
his  moustache  between  his  white  fingers. 

"  By  the  hundred  if  necessary,  Monsieur.  'T  is  a  com- 
modity we  possess  far  more  of  at  present  than  powder  and 
ball.  I  take  it  you  have  seen  service  in  Europe —  what 
think  you  then  of  our  fort  here  in  this  wilderness  ?  " 

"  A  strong  work,  as  against  the  assault  of  savages,"  I 
answered,  glancing  about  me.  "  Yet  seemingly  so  carelessly 


32  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

defended  that  I  wonder  so  old  and  experienced  a  soldier 
as  De  Villiers  should  be  thus  negligent  of  discipline." 

The  Lieutenant  gazed  around  lightly,  his  roving  eyes 
I  noticed  searching  out  each  pretty  face  passing  near  us 
before  he  made  response. 

"  It  makes  small  odds,"  he  commented  at  last  leisurely. 
"  Sacre !  there  is  naught  we  have  to  fear  from  Indian 
treachery,  for  the  red  hounds  rank  our  friendship  far  too 
highly  just  now.  Nor,  in  strict  truth,  Monsieur,  do  we 
really  know  whose  troops  we  are,  or  whose  country  we 
guard.  The  French  fleur  de  Us  flies  yonder  from  the  staff, 
yet,  by  terms  of  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  the  red  bunting  of 
England  rather  has  right  to  the  place.  Pardieu!  we  are 
between  the  devil  and  the  deep  sea,  and  Monsieur  de  Villiers 
must  carry  his  water  on  both  shoulders." 

"  It  is,  indeed,  a  most  unhappy  situation." 

"  Faith,  the  only  bright  side  to  it,  to  my  seeing,  is  that 
it  may  result  in  sending  us  all  home  to  France  once  more 
out  of  this  frontier  hole.  Yet  even  this  chance  looks  distant 
enough  with  five  hundred  miles  of  wilderness  stretching  be- 
tween us  and  the  nearest  English  outpost,  and  Pontiac  be- 
sieging Detroit." 

"  You  do  not  greatly  enjoy  garrison  duty,  then,  in  the 
Illinois  country?"  I  asked,  my  eyes  on  that  jostling  throng 
in  our  front.  "  Yet  to  me  it  would  seem  to  have  its  com- 
pensations. There  are  certain  maids  out  yonder  fair  enough 
to  tempt  even  a  Parisian  to  words  of  love,  nor  do  they 
appear  altogether  indifferent  to  your  presence  among  them." 

His  face  flushed  beneath  its  tan,  while  his  slender  white 
fingers  sought  again  caressingly  the  long  moustache. 

"  Pah !  some  are  not  so  bad  when  one  is  exiled,  yet  noth- 
ing to  boast  about,  Monsieur.  Canadian  peasant  lasses, 
with  patois  to  make  one's  head  ache,  and  outpourings  from 
the  Salpetriere;  while  their  men  are  ever  jealous  and  most 
expert  with  the  knife.  Beside  Madame  Lecomte  and  the  two 


Old  Fort  Chartres  33 

English,  the  few  who  possess  gentle  blood  in  all  this  region 
might  be  reckoned  upon  the  fingers  of  one  hand.  More- 
over, in  spite  of  this  seeming  relaxation  in  discipline,  I  tell 
you  Monsieur  de  Villiers  holds  sufficiently  tight  rein  over 
us  here  at  Fort  Chartres." 

"  This  is  a  fete  day,  then  ?  I  thought  as  much." 
"  The  eve  of  Saint  Jean  Baptiste ;  there  will  be  dancing 
presently  over  in  the  big  barracks  yonder,  well  worth  seeing 
if  the  sight  be  new  to  you.  But  come,  De  Coubert,  we  will 
make  some  alteration  in  your  appearance,  so  that  you  may 
feel  free  to  adventure  among  them  at  your  pleasure;  only 
I  warn  you  to  be  careful  of  the  knife." 


CHAPTER  IV 

A  DANCE   ON   THE   OLD   FRONTIER 

IT  was  a  long,  low  room,  the  logs  stripped  of  their  bark 
and  freshly  whitewashed,  the  heavy  beams  supporting 
the  roof  profusely  decorated  with  green  boughs,  while 
between  these  were  hung  festooned  cloths  of  various  bright 
colors.  The  openings  leading  forth  upon  the  esplanade 
were  at  either  end,  and  the  whole  interior  was  brilliantly 
lighted  by  means  of  innumerable  candles  fastened  into>  every 
conceivable  position,  with  here  and  there  a  blazing  pine- 
knot  adding  its  ruddy  glare  to  the  soft  and  flickering  illu- 
mination, the  black  wreaths  of  smoke  curling  upward  to 
find  ready  egress  through  many  convenient  openings  in  the 
roof.  A  row  of  rudely  fashioned  benches  lined  the  side 
walls,  leaving  the  central  space  clear,  while  upon  a  slight 
elevation,  gorgeously  decorated  with  the  French  colors, 
were  grouped  a  dozen  musicians,  one  or  two  attired  in  uni- 
forms of  the  service,  but  the  majority  in  shirt  sleeves  and 
the  coarse  habiliments  of  the  plains. 

But  to  me  the  real  attraction  was  the  people  coming  and 
going  through  the  double  entrances,  their  cheeks  aglow  in 
the  soft  light,  their  eyes  sparkling  from  keen  enjoyment, 
their  bright-hued  garments  fluttering  gaily  as  they  joined 
in  the  abandon  of  the  brisk  measure.  It  was  a  sight  to 
remember  long,  a  vivid  panorama  of  rapidly  revolving  fig- 
ures, of  upturned  laughing  faces,  of  flaunting  ribbons,  of 
dark  smiling  eyes,  with  here  and  there  a  glimpse  of  white 
shoulder  and  trim  ankle,  as  some  reckless  couple  swung 
flying  past,  oblivious  of  everything  save  that  happy  hour. 


A  Dance  on  the  Old  Frontier  35 

It  was  a  dance  of  the  frontier,  totally  unmarred  by  any  of 
the  conventionalities  of  society,  all  alike  entering  into  its 
mazes  with  a  keen  zest  which  set  even  the  onlookers'  feet 
to  beating  time.  And  the  walls  were  lined,  the  benches 
crowded.  Maids  as  yet  partnerless  gazed  at  the  whirling 
throng  with  longing  eyes;  matrons  whose  dancing  days 
were  over  beat  time  to  the  exhilarating  strains  and  called 
aloud  to  friends  as  they  circled  swiftly  past,  while  sand- 
wiched among  these  were  numerous  soldiers  and  coureurs 
de  bois,  with  here  and  there  a  grave-faced  savage,  blanket- 
wrapped  and  stolid.  About  the  doors  clustered  thickly 
parties  of  negroes,  their  black  faces  gleaming,  as  their  eyes 
rolled  in  eager  enjoyment  of  that  dazzling  scene  within. 

And  such  dancing!  Certes,  \  was  never  learned  in  the 
dancing-schools  of  Paris,  nor  had  I  memory  of  any  such 
steps  ever  witnessed  on  the  Continent.  If  it  bore  a  name, 
I  know  not  what  it  could  be  which  would  fitly  describe  those 
evolutions  —  such  mad  capering,  such  cutting  of  pigeon- 
wings,  such  swift  gliding,  such  giddy  whirls  from  corner 
to  corner  reckless  of  collision,  such  pressing  of  slender 
waists  and  clasping  of  soft  hands,  such  flutter  of  skirts  and 
shaking  of  feet  as  would  have  driven  Monsieur  Duval  crazy 
could  he  have  witnessed  it.  Overhead  fluttered  the  long 
streamers  of  cloth  in  the  draught,  the  candles  sputtered  and 
flickered  in  odd  lines  of  shadow  and  light,  while  noisy 
laughter  and  careless  repartee  arose  incessantly  above  the 
ceaseless  shuffle  of  feet  and  the  scraping  of  the  fiddles. 
Suddenly,  a  tall  young  fellow,  carried  away  by  enthusiasm, 
stopped  his  panting  partner  in  the  very  centre  of  the  crowded 
floor,  and,  facing  each  other,  they  tripped  a  French  pas  seul, 
their  arms  akimbo,  their  shoes  patting  the  wood  to  the  swift 
music  of  the  violins.  He  was  a  swarthy  wood-ranger,  with 
wide  blue  trousers,  and  white  shirt  flung  open  at  the  throat, 
the  perspiration  streaming  down  his  face;  she  a  round- 
faced,  ruddy-cheeked  lass  in  short  skirt,  her  black  hair  bound 


36  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

about  with  flaunting  red  ribbons.  For  a  moment  the  crowd 
paused  to  watch  them,  cheering  and  clapping  as  their  heels 
clicked  merrily  on  the  hard  floor,  and  then,  as  the  two  sank 
once  more  into  each  other's  embrace,  all  circled  away  amid 
shrieks  of  laughter. 

I  had  stolen  quietly  in  through  the  more  northern  door, 
and  stood  leaning  against  the  log  wall,  deeply  absorbed  in 
that  constant  change  occurring  before  me.  Suddenly  a  hand 
lightly  touched  my  sleeve,  and  I  glanced  downward  into  a 
pair  of  dark  eyes  filled  with  the  unrestrained  merriment  of 
the  moment. 

"  You  look  as  though  anxious  to  join  those  out  yonder, 
Monsieur  le  coureur  de  bois,"  said  a  laughing,  pleasant  voice. 
"  Perchance  you  might  not  object  even  to  me  as  a  partner?  " 

"  With  the  greatest  pleasure,  Mam'selle,"  I  responded, 
falling  at  once  into  her  gay  humor.  "  Yet  I  have  not  danced 
for  so  long,  and  this  seems  so  odd  a  medley,  you  may  repent 
your  bargain." 

She  laughed  lightly,  her  hand  still  upon  my  arm,  her 
merry  eyes  surveying  me  curiously. 

"  Perhaps,  Monsieur ;  yet  I  take  the  chances ;  you  look 
like  one  who  might  keep  the  time." 

We  swung  boldly  out  into  the  lively  measure,  her  bonny 
brown  head  nestling  close  against  my  shoulder,  as  we  circled 
ever  swifter  and  swifter  to  the  music,  rinding  passage  as 
best  we  might  among  those  others  jostling  us  recklessly 
upon  either  hand.  Once  we  struck  heavily,  and  I  glanced 
about  to  behold  the  debonair  Lieutenant  cautiously  edging 
his  way  past  us,  a  buxom  young  matron  capering  at  his  side. 
S  acre  I  but  it  was  most  delightful  after  I  had  once  regained 
the  step,  the  fair  girl  clinging  to  me  so  close  we  became 
almost  as  one,  forgetting  everything  save  the  rhythm  of- 
our  movement.  As  the  galloping  music  came  to  a  pause  her 
lips  were  parted,  her  hair  dishevelled,  her  breath  coming  in 
little  sobs. 


A  Dance  on  the  Old  Frontier  37 

"  And  you  almost  told  me  you  could  not  dance,  Monsieur 
le  coureur,"  she  panted  gaily,  tapping  me  playfully  with  her 
white  hand.  "  What  think  you  now  ?  " 

"  That  I  merely  wait  a  renewal  of  the  music  to  indulge  in 
another  measure,  Mam'selle." 

"  Non,  non,"  and  her  dark  eyes  glanced  coquettishly 
across  the  room.  "  Jacques  has  come  now,  Monsieur,  and 
is  over  yonder  seeking  me.  You  do  not  know  Jacques,  but 
he  is  not  one  to  deal  lightly  with.  So  you  must  hunt  for 
another  partner,  but,  poof !  they  are  not  so  hard  to  find." 

With  quick,  mocking  curtsy  she  left  me,  gliding'  away  into 
the  jostling  crowd  like  a  shadow.  I  caught  one  backward 
glance  of  her  tantalizing  dark  eyes,  and  she  was  gone. 

Mentally  execrating  this  unknown  Jacques,  whose  inop- 
portune arrival  had  marred  my  pleasure,  and  ignoring  many 
a  laughing  glance  of  invitation  cast  at  me,  I  retreated  to 
that  former  position  of  vantage  against  the  wall,  and  con- 
tented myself  with  looking  on.  Suddenly  my  wandering 
gaze  settled  upon  a  small  group  gathered  nearly  opposite, 
whose  faces  and  dress  bespoke  them  of  far  different  social 
standing  from  the  many  upon  the  floor.  They  were  clus- 
tered close  together  alongside  the  musicians'  stand,  con- 
versing merrily,  and  indulging  in  good-humored  comment 
regarding  the  varied  figures  and  costumes  flying  past  them. 
Some  few  of  their  faces  I  recognized  from  my  wanderings 
during  the  afternoon  —  the  gray-haired  post-surgeon,  one 
or  two  junior  officers,  and  several  ladies  previously  pointed 
out  to  me  as  being  connected  with  the  garrison.  I  noticed 
these,  however,  but  vaguely,  for  my  deeper  interest  was  at 
once  aroused  by  two  who  stood  alone,  a  little  remote  from 
these  others.  One,  and  seemingly  the  more  talkative,  was  a 
comely  matron  of  some  thirty  years,  perfectly  proportioned 
as  to  figure,  with  black  hair  and  eyes,  and  a  French  vivacity 
of  manner  seemingly  contagious.  I  recognized  her  imme- 
diately as  that  Madame  Lecomte,  of  Cahokia,  whose  peculiar 


38  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

influence  among  the  Indians  of  the  Illinois  country  was  so 
widely  known  along  the  French  frontier.  Story  after  story 
regarding  her  power  of  control  over  the  action  of  those  wild 
denizens  of  forest  and  plain  recurred  to  me,  while  I  studied 
her  brightly  pleasant  features  and  listened  to  the  merry  peals 
of  laughter  with  which  she  greeted  the  rude  humor  of  that 
scene  before  her.  It  was  scarcely  possible  to  imagine  such 
a  woman  as  being  the  harbinger  of  peace  or  war  amid  the 
black  tepees  of  savages.  Yet  well  I  realized  that  no  proud 
governor  of  this  wild  region  ever  wielded  half  such  power 
for  weal  or  woe  at  the  council  fires  of  the  red  men. 

But  now  my  thought  remained  with  her  only  for  the 
moment,  every  interest  quickly  concentrating  upon  the  far 
more  attractive  face  at  her  side.  A  fair  young  girl  stood 
there,  a  look  half  contemptuous,  half  pleasure-loving,  in  her 
clear  gray  eyes,  her  head  poised  proudly  above  the  round 
white  throat,  her  light  hair,  showing  almost  golden  in  the 
candle-flame,  pushed  well  away  from  off  the  low  broad  fore- 
head, and  rolled  high  after  a  foreign  fashion  most  becoming. 
She  was  clothed  altogether  in  white,  the  soft,  clinging  fabric 
nestling  about  her  rounded  figure  so  as  apparently  to  add 
inches  to  her  stature,  her  cheeks  the  pink  and  white  of  a 
conch  shell,  her  lips  full  and  red  from  perfect  health,  with 
white  teeth  gleaming  charmingly  as  she  smiled.  It  was  a 
most  winsome  face,  young,  piquant,  and  proud,  while  the 
clear  gray  eyes  held  within  their  darker  depths  a  light  of 
daring  and  of  wilfulness  which  made  one  long  to  see  them 
soften  into  love.  Among  those  others  she  seemed  to  me  to 
stand  utterly  alone,  the  representative  of  a  different  order, 
of  a  stranger  race  —  a  rare  white  lily  amid  a  garden  filled 
with  roses. 

"  The  two  English."  Those  chance  words  of  the  Lieu- 
tenant came  instantly  drifting  back  to  memory,  and  I  knew 
this  must  be  one  of  them.  English  —  ay !  the  characteristics 
of  that  race  were  clear  as  print ;  yet  how  in  all  mystery  came 


A  Dance  on  the  Old  Frontier  39 

so  sweet  a  representative  of  England's  fairest  womanhood  to 
grace  by  her  presence  this  rough  scene  on  France's  far  fron- 
tier? What  odd  decree  of  Fate  had  ever  placed  this  inno-' 
cent  young  girl,  proudly  patrician  in  face  and  manner,  here 
at  this  rude  outpost  of  civilization,  this  isolated  spot  amidst 
the  desolate  leagues  of  wilderness,  alone,  surrounded  by  an 
alien  race,  where  scarcely  a  tongue  spoke  her  language,  and 
where  her  native  land  had  ever  been  held  as  an  enemy?  It 
was  a  problem  I  could  scarcely  hope  to  solve,  and  yet  it  ever 
continued  to  haunt  me  as  I  studied  her  fair  face,  and  sought 
to  catch  the  low  tones  of  her  voice  in  conversation. 

It  was  this,  perhaps  unworthy,  ambition  which  drew  me 
irresistibly  forward,  until  I  finally  stood  almost  beside  the 
little  group,  and  within  easy  sound  of  their  confidential 
speech. 

"  He  has  not  arrived  as  yet,"  Madame  Lecomte  was  say- 
ing, her  eyes  searching  the  whirling  throng  as  though  for 
some  unseen  face,  "  and,  of  course,  may  not  honor  us  by 
coming  at  all.  Indeed,  I  heard  a  rumor  that  he  had  met 
with  trouble  in  Kaskaskia  last  night,  and  may  scarcely  prove 
presentable  amid  so  festive  a  scene.  Poof !  our  young  men 
are  ever  hot  of  blood  and  swift  of  blow.  No  doubt  his 
speech  was  far  from  soothing." 

"  But  why  are  you  so  extremely  anxious  that  I  should  see 
him  before  deciding  more  fully,  when  really  we  have  already 
made  up  our  minds?  Surely  it  is  sufficient  to  know  that  he 
comes  here  on  behalf  of  the  Commandant  at  Detroit.  I  have 
heard  Major  Gladwyn  spoken  of  as  a  most  careful  and 
competent  officer,  and  he  would  employ  no  one  upon  so  im- 
portant a  mission  without  thorough  trust  in  his  messenger." 

"  Needs  must  when  the  devil  drives  on  the  border, 
Mademoiselle,"  and  the  good-natured  matron  laughed  mer- 
rily. "  The  same  rules  do  not  apply  out  here  to  which  you 
are  accustomed  in  London.  Why?  Certes,  and  for  the 
very  best  of  reasons,  that  you  may  thus  be  made  to  think 


4Q  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

twice  before  you  rashly  consent  to  trust  yourself  to  his 
guidance  through  five  hundred  miles  of  deserted  water-ways. 
You  realize  very  little  the  character  of  our  frontier  message 
bearers.  Bah!  I  can  see  your  mental  picture  of  this  one 
now  —  a  natty  English  officer,  in  tight  red  coat,  even  laced 
and  bewigged  no  doubt,  with  a  dozen  obedient  white  sol- 
diers tugging  manfully  upon  the  oars  at  his  order.  'T  is  a 
sweet  and  comforting  scene,  yet  scarcely  equal  to  the  orig- 
inal as  I  witnessed  it." 

"  You  then  have  already  seen  this  envoy  from  the  English 
forts?" 

"  Ay !  that  I  have,  and  the  single  glimpse  was  sufficient." 

The  girl  leaned  forward,  a  new  shade  of  anxiety  in  her 
clear  eyes  as  they  sought  questioningly  the  face  of  her 
companion. 

"  Is  he  then  so  very  terrible  ?  " 

"  Terrible  ?  Oh,  no,  my  dear ;  not  at  least  as  we  know 
men  on  this  frontier.  Pish  !  I  would  have  little  fear  regard- 
ing him  myself,  but  you  —  you,  why  it  would  be  impossible. 
He  is  a  half-breed,  Mademoiselle,  an  English  half-breed 
from  out  the  black  forests  of  the  Ottawa,  as  dark  faced  and 
swarthy  as  any  of  those  you  see  dancing  yonder;  unedu- 
cated, uncouth,  brutal  in  act  and  coarse  of  speech ;  no  doubt, 
scarcely  a  grade  higher  than  the  naked  savages  who  paddled 
his  canoe  hither.  A  fine  travelling  companion  he  would 
make  for  a  high-bred  lady  of  old  England ! " 

The  delicate  pink  of  the  cheeks  flamed  into  sudden  red- 
ness, and  the  firm  lips  were  pressed  close  together  as  though 
to  restrain  too  violent  expression.  Then  a  determined  look 
found  place  within  those  earnest  gray  eyes. 

"  I  care  not  what  you  may  say,  Madame,  in  your  endeavor 
to  induce  me  to  remain  here  longer.  This  man,  however  un- 
favorable he  may  be  in  appearance  and  dress,  represents  my 
country ;  he  is  an  official  messenger  of  the  King,  and  would 
surely  never  have  been  despatched  on  such  a  mission  were  he 


A  Dance  on  the  Old  Frontier  41 

unworthy  of  confidence.  What  better  off  are  Rene  and  I, 
stranded  in  the  midst  of  this  crazy  rabble,  than  we  should 
be  under  his  protection  and  guidance  in  the  wilderness,  every 
step  bringing  us  nearer  to  home  and  friends  ?  'T  is  small 
choice,  to  my  thinking,  even  as  regards  peril.  The  way  is 
not  hard,  they  tell  me,  in  a  boat ;  the  road,  by  order  of  your 
French  authorities,  will  be  open  through  the  savages,  and 
thus  devoid  of  danger;  while  surely  we  can  trust  a  mes- 
senger of  the  King  to  guard  safely  an  English  soldier's 
daughter.  My  mind  is  already  decided,  Madame,  and  so  is 
Rene's ;  we  shall  travel  with  him  to  Detroit." 

"  But  Monsieur  de  Villiers,  Mademoiselle  —  it  might  not 
please  Monsieur  de  Villiers  ?  " 

"  A  fig  for  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  He  has  promised  escort 
twenty  times  within  a  month  past,  and  as  often  failed  to 
keep  his  word.  We  are  not  of  this  garrison,  to  beg  permis- 
sion of  Monsieur  de  Villiers." 

The  elder  turned  her  face  partially  aside  as  if  the  better 
to  conceal  her  vexation.  For  a  moment  the  girl  remained 
motionless,  then  her  white  hand  touched  softly  Madame 
Lecomte's  arm. 

"  Do  not  be  angry  with  me,  Madame,"  she  said  soberly. 
"  You  have  been  most  kind  during  all  our  unhappy  exile ; 
yet  pray  consider  how  you  would  feel  were  you  thus  held 
for  months  in  such  company  against  your  will  —  indeed,  as 
if  you  were  even  a  prisoner.  It  is  so  long  since  I  have  heard 
even  a  word  from  my  own  people,  or  they  from  me!  No 
doubt  they  fear  that  we  have  met  with  sore  misfortune  in  this 
wilderness ;  perhaps  they  even  mourn  us  as  dead.  For  one, 
I  can  bear  such  suspense  no  longer,  and  although,  as  you 
suggest,  there  may  lurk  much  danger  in  the  enterprise,  it 
would  be  unworthy  my  father's  daughter  were  I  to  remain 
longer  here,  with  such  fair  opportunity  to  escape.  Surely, 
Madame,  were  you  in  my  place  you  would  never  hesitate 
at  such  a  venture  ?  " 


42  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  No,  my  dear,"  was  the  instant  and  frank  response,  "  I 
should  go;  nor  do  I  in  the  least  blame  you  for  such  firm 
decision.  I  merely  ask  of  you  this  much,  make  no  definite 
plan,  no  decision  impossible  to  retract,  until  you  have 
personally  met  this  messenger.  Then,  if  you  still  decide 
on  so  desperate  a  step,  I  shall  not  be  one  to  oppose  your 
departure.  But  see,  your  persistent  admirer,  Lieutenant 
Lassieur,  is  busily  pressing  his  way  hither,  doubtless  to 
urge  you  once  again  to  essay  the  mysteries  of  a  frontier 
French  dance." 

The  younger  woman  glanced  uneasily  in  the  direction 
indicated,  a  slight  frown  contracting  her  smooth  forehead. 
Then  she  became  proudly  cold,  apparently  oblivious  to  the 
young  soldier's  approach  until  he  stood  bowing  humbly  be- 
fore her. 

"  I  venture  to  approach  you  once  more,  Mademoiselle," 
he  said  as  if  in  apology,  "  to  beg  that  you  reconsider  your 
former  decision,  and  favor  me  with  one  short  turn  upon  the 
floor.  The  step,  while  fast,  is  not  nearly  so  difficult  as  it 
appears,  and  I  should  esteem  it  an  honor  and  a  pleasure  to 
instruct  you  in  its  few  mysteries." 

She  glanced  at  him  somewhat  carelessly,  a  bit  of  dissatis- 
faction clouding  her  eyes. 

"  I  have  no  desire  to  make  a  spectacle  of  myself,"  she 
answered  quietly,  her  tone  decisive,  "  nor  to  learn  so  puz- 
zling a  dance  step  in  the  midst  of  such  a  jostling  crowd  as 
now  cumbers  the  floor.  In  very  truth  I  have  already  be- 
come weary  of  watching,  and  was  about  to  suggest  to 
Madame  Lecomte  that  we  retire  to  our  rooms." 

"  Then  my  plea  is  utterly  useless  ?  " 

"  Perfectly  so ;  were  it  an  English  measure,  the  Meserve 
quickstep,  or  indeed  any  with  which  I  am  acquainted,  I 
might  not  prove  so  heartless ;  but  really,  Monsieur,  it  is  not 
possible  for  me  to  yield  to  the  utter  abandon  of  those  yonder. 
We  English  are  more  quiet  even  in  our  pleasures.  Made- 


A  Dance  on  the  Old  Frontier  43 

moiselle  Rene  seems  to  be  thoroughly  enjoying  her  evening, 
and  I  believe  I  have  already  seen  you  often  upon  the  floor 
with  fair  partners,  but  I  much  prefer  being  left  to  look 
quietly  on." 

She  spoke  slowly  and  in  gentle  voice,  yet  there  was  a 
firmness  about  the  tone  telling  that  further  urging  was  use- 
less. The  Lieutenant  stepped  courteously  backward  with  a 
low  bow. 

"  Did  I  only  possess  skill  in  the  English  dances/'  he  said 
sadly,  "  I  should  never  accept  such  an  answer,  Mademoiselle, 
but  as  it  is  I  feel  helpless  to  do  otherwise." 

She  watched  him  disappear,  then  turned  to  her  companion 
half  smiling. 

"  Do  you  know,  Madame,  I  almost  wish  he  did  possess 
such  skill.  I  am  in  a  somewhat  reckless  mood  to-night,  and 
it  would  yield  me  pleasant  memories  could  I  dance  an  Eng- 
lish measure ;  yet  in  all  this  company  there  is  probably  not  one 
to  whom  so  sedate  a  step  is  known.  Listen,  Madame,  —  yet 
even  you  may  not  realize  how  easily  one  might  keep  step  in 
the  swing  of  the  Meserve  to  that  same  music,  were  a  skilled 
partner  only  here  to  aid.  It  is  our  most  rapid  dance 
step,  and  was  most  fashionable  in  London  when  I  was  last 
there:  I  danced  it  with  my  Lord  Courtney  the  eve  before 
we  sailed.  Pish,  how  foolish!  yet  the  very  memory  makes 
me  reckless  to  challenge  some  knight  with  skill  to  essay  it 
with  me." 

I  know  not  what  bold  spirit  of  bravado  prompted  me  to 
such  an  act,  but  before  these  words  were  fairly  uttered  I 
had  taken  the  single  step  necessary  to  face  her,  and  was 
bowing  low  before  her  astonished  eyes. 

"  I  trust  in  your  gracious  pardon,  Mademoiselle,"  I  said 
quietly,  ignoring  her  sudden  drawing  backward,  "  for  thus 
forcing  myself  upon  your  attention,  but  I  chance  to  possess 
some  slight  skill  in  the  English  dances,  and  hold  myself 
entirely  at  your  service." 


44  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

It  amused  me  vastly,  the  look  of  almost  aversion  in  her 
startled  gray  eyes  —  the  smile  became  a  haughty  stare,  in- 
dignant, unbelieving.  At  first  I  thought  she  might  speak  to 
me,  but  instead  she  turned  to  face  Madame  Lecomte,  as 
though  disdainful  of  my  presence. 

"  When  coureurs  de  bois  presume  thus,  Madame,"  she 
said  coldly,  "  it  would  seem  time  for  us  to  retire." 

The  other  laughed,  keenly  alive  to  the  interest  of  the 
occasion. 

"  Yet  why  so  indignant  ?  "  she  questioned,  her  hand  in 
restraint  upon  the  girl's  white  sleeve.  "  Our  coureurs  de 
bois  are  not  all  boors,  I  can  assure  you.  Some  among 
them  are  even  of  gentle  blood,  and  he  who  now  speaks 
possesses  a  good  face,  such  as  would  attract  most  women. 
Wait,  Mademoiselle,  if  I  mistake  not  't  is  that  same 
ranger  who  danced  so  gracefully  but  now  with  Rene  — 
perchance  he  may  even  possess  that  ability  which  he 
claims." 

The  indignant  girl  deigned  to  glance  aside  at  me,  yet  with 
but  scant  favor  in  her  eyes. 

"  Mademoiselle  threw  out  the  challenge,"  I  insisted  stub- 
bornly, "  nor  was  it  limited  to  officers  in  uniform." 

"  You  dance  the  English  quickstep  ? "  she  questioned 
doubtfully,  her  disapproving  eyes  on  my  rough  attire. 
"  How  came  you  to  acquire  such  knowledge  ?  " 

"  As  a  prisoner  of  war,  Mademoiselle." 

"  You  have  seen  service  then  in  Europe  ?  " 

"  I  was  for  several  years  in  the  army,  and  eight  months 
on  parole  in  England." 

She  looked  from  my  face  into  the  laughing  eyes  of 
Madame  Lecomte,  then  back  again.  Her  fair  face  flushed, 
her  red  lips  set  into  lines  of  proud  determination. 

"If  I  indeed  challenged  you,  Monsieur  le  coureur  de 
bois,"  she  managed  to  say  at  last,  yet  with  no  unbending  in 
her  manner,  "  I  will  keep  my  promise ;  yet,  forsooth,  't  will 


A  Dance  on  the  Old  Frontier  45 

scarcely  prove  an  adventure  to  boast  about  when  I  return  to- 
civilization." 

The  next  moment  my  arm  encircled  her  slender  waist,  her 
hand  rested  lightly  within  my  own,  and  we  swung  smoothly 
forth  amid  those  more  noisy  dancers  on  the  floor. 


CHAPTER  V 

MY   LADY  OF  DISDAIN 

THE  mocking  smile  the  lady  cast  backward  across  my 
shoulder  at  Madame  Lecomte,  together  with  that  look 
of  disdainful  sufferance  in  her  half-averted  eyes,  which 
she  made  not  the  slightest  attempt  to  conceal,  yielded  me 
sudden  touch  of  anger,  effectually  steadying  me  to  my  work. 
S acre  I  I  would  endeavor  to  teach  this  fair  Anglais  e  that 
I  made  no  idle  boast  of  my  ability  to  measure  the  more 
sedate  steps  of  Albion.  Ay!  and  I  would  humble  her  vain 
pride,  and  cause  her  to  acknowledge  that  e,ven  a  despised 
coureur  de  bois  might  prove  her  master. 

Slowly  at  first,  and  with  exceeding  care,  lest  some  false 
step  should  spoil  all,  we  gradually  swung  into  the  full  rhythm 
of  it  —  she  fearful  my  lack  of  knowledge  might  precipitate 
a  catastrophe,  I  a  bit  doubtful  still  of  an  accomplishment 
untested  for  more  than  ten  years.  But  as  we  glided  for- 
ward, and  gently  wheeled  in  perfect  response  to  the  rhythmic 
measure,  confidence  rapidly  returned,  together  with  an  in- 
creasing enjoyment,  appreciated  by  both  alike.  My  firm 
clasp  about  her  slender  waist  tightened,  a  new  light  swept 
into  the  depths  of  her  gray  eyes,  and  a  slight  color  rose  to 
her  cheeks,  while  she  resigned  herself  unreservedly  to  my 
guidance.  This  surrender,  once  made,  was  absolute,  and  for 
the  moment,  at  least,  all  else  became  forgotten  save  that 
exhilaration  of  movement,  that  delicious  sense  of  being  borne 
whithersoever  the  music  willed,  swayed  and  swept  hither  and 
thither  by  those  gently  guiding  strains. 


My  Lady  of  Disdain  47 

Every  vestige  of  anger,  of  irritation  left  me,  and  I  glanced 
downward  into  her  face,  now  partially  upturned,  drinking 
in  its  fair  beauty,  watching  the  color  deepen  upon  her  cheeks, 
and  feeling  the  soft  breath  from  between  her  parted  lips. 
Her  light  hair  brushed  my  moustache,  and,  as  we  whirled 
yet  more  swiftly  with  our  increasing  momentum,  a  vagrant 
perfumed  lock,  golden  as  a  sunbeam,  swept  across  my  lips 
in  soft  caress.  So  once  we  made  the  long  circuit  of  the 
room,  attaining  fresh  confidence  with  each  easy  turning,  and 
yielding  ourselves  more  and  more  completely  to  the  subtle 
intoxication  of  the  moment.  Our  steps  chimed  perfectly 
together,  while  the  gentle  rhythm  of  the  measure  held  us 
firmly  within  its  silken  bonds.  The  strange  step,  the  slower 
movement,  perchance  the  gracefulness  of  our  rhythmic  glid- 
ing, attracted  notice,  first  from  those  upon  the  benches, 
then  from  the  numerous  couples  beside  us  upon  the  floor. 
I  caught  the  low  whispers,  with  an  occasional  burst  of 
laughter,  and  soon  began  to  realize  the  clearer  space  left 
in  which  to  turn  and  guide,  until  at  last  we  seemed  to  dance 
alone,  the  others  crowding  backward  against  the  walls  along 
either  side,  their  faces  aglow  with  interest,  their  dark  eyes 
sparkling  from  enthusiasm. 

I  hardly  believe  the  unconscious  English  girl  noted  the 
slow  melting  away  of  those  throngs  of  dancers,  or  marked 
that  sudden  silence  in  which  the  strains  of  the  music  sounded 
so  clearly,  accented  merely  by  the  light  pressure  of  our  feet 
along  the  waxen  floor.  Her  eyes  were  downcast  now,  par- 
tially hidden  behind  the  bulwark  of  my  shoulder,  and  seem- 
ingly all  else  was  banished,  all  surroundings  forgotten,  in 
the  subtle  delight  of  that  perfect  moment.  She  was  far 
away,  perchance,  far  away  in  old  England,  dancing  once 
again  amid  familiar  scenes,  with  hands  of  love  to  applaud, 
and  trusted  faces  on  every  side  to  yield  her  confidence. 

It  ended  too  soon.  Slower  and  slower  grew  the  music, 
until  at  last  our  feet  stopped,  and  we  paused  breathless, 


48  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

scarcely  realizing  it  was  over,  our  minds  yet  in  the  dream 
of  it.  I  caught  one  glimpse  of  her  eyes,  misty  as  if  from 
unshed  tears,  as  she  almost  shyly  glanced  up  at  me.  Then 
that  gathered  crowd  applauded  us,  giving  sudden  vent  to 
its  pent-up  enthusiasm  with  shouts  of  hearty  congratulation, 
and  the  pounding  of  heavy  feet.  With  one  rapid,  startled 
glance  to  right  and  left,  she  comprehended  what  was  meant, 
and  drew  instantly  away  from  me  with  quick  gesture  of 
displeasure.  I  marked  the  changed  look  in  her  face,  as  she 
swept  her  proud  eyes  along  those  lines  of  rude  applauders, 
and  then  back  once  more  to  me. 

"  We  seem  to  have  created  something  of  a  sensation, 
Mademoiselle,"  I  explained,  hopeful  her  first  unpleasant  im- 
pression might  be  dissipated  by  my  words.  "  They  are 
unused  to  the  English  dances." 

"  So  I  perceive,"  coldly,  and  gathering  up  her  drapery  in 
one  hand.  "  Had  I  anticipated  being  thus  made  a  spectacle 
of,  I  should  have  escaped  being  found  in  so  embarrassing 
a  situation  by  an  avoidance  of  the  floor  entirely.  Would 
you  kindly  permit  me  to  pass,  Monsieur  ?  " 

Her  words  and  look  were  imperious,  and  I  stepped  aside, 
yet  ventured  upon  a  bow  of  expostulation. 

"  But  surely,  Mademoiselle,  you  will  permit  me  to  escort 
you  back  to  Madame  Lecomte?" 

She  swept  me  with  her  glance  from  head  to  foot,  her  own 
head  proudly  poised,  her  red  lips  slightly  parted. 

"  I  danced  with  you,  Monsieur  Ic  coureur  de  bois,"  she 
returned  somewhat  disdainfully,  "  because  it  seemed  I  had 
thoughtlessly  challenged  any  one  present  to  dance  with  me 
an  English  measure,  but  I  am  perfectly  capable  of  crossing 
the  room  alone,  and  without  assistance." 

She  swept  almost  contemptuously  past,  leaving  me  stand- 
ing there,  flushed  and  helpless,  staring  after  her.  For  the 
instant  I  scarcely  knew  whether  to  grow  angry  at  her 
disdain,  or  to  laugh  at  her  folly.  Even  as  I  watched  her  dis- 


My  Lady  of  Disdain  49 

appear,  a  slender  white  figure  amid  the  throng  already 
pouring  forth  upon  the  floor  to  resume  their  merry-making, 
Lieutenant  Lassieur  pushed  his  way  toward  me. 

"  Monsieur  de  Villiers  has  returned,"  he  announced  some- 
what shortly,  "  and  desires  your  attendance  at  his  office." 

"You  will  guide  me?" 

"  With  pleasure,"  a  slight  sneer  in  his  low  voice,  "  although 
no  doubt  you  will  be  greatly  missed." 

I  discovered  the  Commandant  alone,  seated  before  a  great 
mahogany  writing-table,  which  was  profusely  decorated  with 
carved  fleur  de  Us,  the  top  littered  with  papers.  He  glanced 
up  smilingly,  and,  as  the  door  slowly  closed  behind  the 
lingering  Lieutenant,  cordially  extended  his  hand. 

"  I  am,  indeed,  most  glad  to  welcome  you  once  more, 
Captain  de  Coubert,  and  hope  to  find  you  thoroughly  nerved 
for  adventure.  Sacre!  if  half  I  hear  is  true,  the  years  have 
not  greatly  cooled  your  blood.  'T  is  scarce  twenty-four 
hours  since  we  last  parted,  yet  word  reaches  me  of  a  brawl 
in  Kaskaskia,  and  a  most  remarkable  dancing  exploit  here. 
By  my  faith,  Monsieur,  but  you  move  swiftly,  even  for  a 
Frenchman." 

I  smiled  at  the  frank  good-fellowship  manifested  in  both 
manner  and  words. 

"  One  seeks  whatsoever  of  pleasure  and  interest  may  be 
found  in  this  wilderness,  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  Yet  if  there 
be  aught  of  duty  fronting  me  you  will  not  discover  any 
lightness  of  youth  lingering  in  the  way  of  its  fit  per- 
formance." 

"  Bien!  I  find  no  fault,  De  Coubert,  and  am  not  at  all 
sorry  you  gave  the  half-breed  so  fine  a  lesson  in  good  man- 
ners; it  should  prove  of  value  to  him.  But,  sacre!  I 
wonder  greatly  that  his  fair  countrywoman  would  ever 
sufficiently  unbend  her  stiff  English  pride  to  trip  a  measure 
in  public  with  one  so  poorly  attired.  You  must  possess  a 
magic  of  persuasion  not  yet  attained  by  officers  of  this  gar- 

4 


50  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

risen;  for,  upon  my  soul,  Monsieur,  their  most  expensive 
laces  and  brightest  buttons  have  utterly  failed  to  make 
impress  upon  her  reserve." 

I  laughed,  accepting  the  cigarette  he  extended  courteously 
toward  me. 

"  It  was  the  merest  stroke  of  good  fortune,"  I  said  quietly. 
"  Chancing  to  overhear  a  vain  challenge  from  her  lips,  I. 
had  the  bravado  to  take  it  up,  and  the  lady  was  far  too 
proud  to  be  false  to  her  word.  However  she  left  a  very 
pretty  sting  behind  her,  and  similar  opportunity  is  not  like 
to  occur  again." 

He  looked  at  me  earnestly  as  though  tempted  to  ask  further 
question,  evidently  thought  better  of  it,  and  slowly  unfolded 
a  paper  lying  before  him  on  the  desk. 

"  You  asked  last  evening  for  a  glimpse  at  my  authority 
relative  to  this  rather  puzzling  matter  of  Pontiac,"  he  began 
with  deliberation.  "  I  have  just  received  this  communication 
from  New  Orleans.  It  is  signed  by  his  secretary,  yet  the 
real  power  behind  is  that  of  the  Marquis  de  Vaudreuil.  You 
will  discover  it  sufficiently  explicit." 

I  glanced  rapidly  over  the  letter  handed  me,  a  page  and  a 
half  in  delicate  script;  then  rested  it  upon  my  knee  while  I 
thought  rapidly. 

"  He  seems  to  anticipate  an  early  renewal  of  hostilities," 
I  said,  desiring  more  light.  "  Apparently  the  late  Treaty 
of  Paris  is  looked  upon  as  a  mere  breathing  space." 

De  Villiers  brought  his  hand  down  smartly  upon  the 
table. 

"  You  have  struck  it  exactly,"  he  exclaimed  with  the  fer- 
vor of  conviction.  "  It  is  no  more  than  a  mere  pastime  of 
the  diplomats  —  they  must  have  their  innings  somewhere, 
and  play  their  little  parts.  Those  who  are  nearest  the  King 
in  intimacy  realize  how  he  chafes  under  those  ignominious 
terms  of  peace,  and  have  small  doubt  that  they  will  be  speedily 
broken.  Meanwhile,  we  who  command  along  this  harassed 


My  Lady  of  Disdain  5 1 

frontier  can  only  toy  with  Fate,  keeping  our  swords  sheathed 
but  well  sharpened.  Fortunately,  circumstances  greatly 
favor  just  now  the  successful  playing  of  such  a  waiting  game. 
Outwardly  all  is  peace ;  in  reality,  all  is  yet  war ;  and  Pon- 
tiac  is  the  special  providence  we  use.  See  you  the  point, 
Monsieur  ?  " 

"  I  think  so ;  you  hope  even  yet  to  retain  these  forts  for 
France  in  spite  of  the  English  treaty,  simply  by  lending  what- 
soever of  aid  you  may,  without  discovery,  to  the  savages  ?  " 

"  Ay !  but  ever  without  discovery,  Monsieur.  The  red- 
coats may  suspect  whatsoever  they  please,  but  no  document, 
no  slightest  line  of  writing,  to  be  used  as  proof  of  any  false 
dealing,  must  be  permitted  to  fall  into  their  hands.  You 
marked  the  stress  De  Vaudreuil  placed  upon  this  very  pre- 
caution ?  No  doubt  his  orders  came  directly  from  the  King." 

I  leaned  my  head  upon  one  hand,  and  made  mental  pic- 
ture of  that  long  frontier  of  scattered  English  settlements, 
harassed  by  pitiless  savage  foray  —  the  murdered  men,  the 
devastated  villages,  the  white-faced  women  and  crying  chil- 
dren led  away  into  cruel  captivity.  It  was  not  a  pleasant 
prospect,  and  I  shook  my  head,  almost  ready  at  that  moment 
to  renounce  forever  any  part,  however  small,  in  so  foul  a 
plotting.  De  Villiers  watched  me  closely,  leaning  back  in 
his  chair,  a  cigarette  smoking  between  his  fingers. 

"  It  indeed  seems  hard,"  he  admitted  at  last,  as  though  he 
had  read  my  unuttered  thought.  "  But,  pish !  De  Coubert, 
what  have  we  to  do  with  the  sentimental  side  of  war?  We 
are  plain  soldiers,  living  by  the  sword,  with  all  plans  made 
for  us  —  our  part  merely  the  carrying  of  them  out  with  as 
much  humanity  as  possible.  We  are  mere  pawns  on  the 
chess-board  of  nations,  and  those  who  play  us  over  against 
each  other  do  all  the  thinking,  and  are  held  responsible  for 
results.  I  like  this  thing  no  whit  better  than  you,  yet  it 
appeals  to  me  as  being  the  duty  of  Frenchmen  situated  as 
we  are  here.  Pardieu!  so  far  as  I  see  there  is  nothing  else 


52  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

possible,  unless  we  weakly  yield  all  we  have  struggled  after 
in  this  country  during  the  past  hundred  years.  That  cursed 
Treaty  of  Paris  surrendered  these  forts,  all  this  magnificent 
domain,  to  the  English ;  it  bids  us  haul  down  the  fieur  de  Us 
and  run  up  the  red  rag  in  its  place,  without  striking  so  much 
as  a  blow  for  the  honor  of  France.  What  delays  the  com- 
ing of  our  conquerors?  A  sudden  Indian  outbreak,  the 
greatest  alliance  of  the  savages  since  the  Iroquois  confeder- 
ated, and  at  the  head  of  it  a  chieftain  rarely  gifted  in  war, 
sworn  to  implacable  vengeance  against  the  English.  These 
savages  are  friends  to  us,  they  look  to  us  for  aid  against 
a  common  enemy;  they  stand  a  red,  impenetrable  wall  be- 
tween us  and  our  conquerors.  S acre  I  it  is  almost  laughable, 
did  not  the  thought  anger  me  so.  Reflect  upon  those  hungry, 
greedy  red-coats  at  Detroit,  at  Sandusky,  at  Fort  de  Boeuf, 
cheering  crazily  over  their  easy  and  bloodless  victories,  and 
yet  not  daring  to  set  so  much  as  a  foot  upon  all  this  territory 
they  boastingly  claim  as  their  own.  Ay,  hemmed  into  their 
miserable  forts  by  hordes  of  savages,  compelled  to  permit  the 
hated  fieur  de  Us  to  fly  unmolested  from  the  Great  Lakes  to 
the  Gulf.  De  Coubert,  it  is  indeed  a  great  game  we  play  at 
in  this  wilderness,  the  stake  an  empire  for  France.  Shall  we 
hesitate  for  the  shedding  of  a  few  drops  of  plebeian  blood  ?  " 

His  intense  enthusiasm  caused  my  own  blood  to  riot 
fiercely.  No  doubt  he  read  this  in  kindling  eye  and  flushed 
cheek. 

"  A  single  word  of  encouragement  at  this  time  to  Pontiac," 
he  continued,  leaning  forward  eagerly,  his  hands  gripping 
the  arms  of  the  chair,  "  thoroughly  impressing  him  with 
the  thought  that  France  stands  ready  at  his  back,  is  all  that 
is  necessary  to  keep  his  horde  of  raiders  active  along  the 
entire  English  frontier.  Without  the  necessity  of  our  strik- 
ing so  much  as  a  blow  these  savages  alone  will  hold  the  red- 
coats prisoners,  enabling  us  to  retain  this  Illinois  country, 
ay!  the  whole  valley  of  the  great  river,  until  such  hour  as 


My  Lady  of  Disdain  53 

France  shall  be  again  ready  to  strike  for  her  own.  This 
is  the  plan  of  De  Vaudreuil,  and  I  doubt  not  of  the  King  as 
well,  and  no  true  soldier  should  hesitate  at  the  issue.  What 
say  you,  De  Coubert,  will  you  execute  my  orders  in  this 
matter  ? " 

I  stared  at  him  intently  for  a  moment,  my  mind  shaping 
itself  to  his  argument. 

"  I  will  go  under  two  plain  conditions." 

"  Name  them." 

"  First,  that  I  be  given  written  word  to  Pontiac,  naming 
me  as  the  official  representative  of  France,  with  full  author- 
ity to  act  for  you." 

"  My  instructions  are  absolute  against  any  word  in 
writing." 

"  I  should  carry  this  beyond  all  possibility  of  discovery, 
and  destroy  it  as  soon  as  shown  to  the  chief.  If  you  cannot 
trust  me  to  do  this,  then  choose  another  messenger.  I  do 
not  go,  Monsieur,  with  my  hands  tied." 

De  Villiers  frowned,  running  one  white  hand  nervously 
across  his  short  hair. 

"  Pardieu!  "  he  exclaimed  petulantly.  "  Men  in  my  posi- 
tion soon  lose  faith  in  every  one,  including  themselves.  But 
I  will  grant  you  this  favor,  De  Coubert.  Name  your  other 
condition." 

"  That  I  be  restored  to  my  old  rank  in  the  service,  under 
your  name  and  seal." 

"  That  is  a  matter  to  be  decided  in  Paris." 

"  Paris  passes  finally  upon  your  official  acts,  Monsieur, 
to  be  sure,  but  as  the  highest  representative  of  France  in 
this  Illinois  country  you  possess  full  authority  to  commis- 
sion for  army  service,  and  your  unqualified  recommendation 
would  unquestionably  be  endorsed  by  the  ministers  at  home. 
Come,  Monsieur  de  Villiers,  this  is  a  poor  time  to  be  jug- 
gling with  words." 

He  laughed,  and  apparently  not  in  such  ill  humor. 


54  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  My  faith,  but  you  must  have  within  you  a  strain  of 
Hebrew  blood,  for  you  bargain  well,  and  demand  full  pay 
in  advance.  However,  the  work  is  worth  the  cost,  and  you 
shall  bear  the  commission.  Now  let  us  to  business/* 


CHAPTER  VI 

THE  MESSAGE   FOR  PONTIAC 

FOR  a  few  moments  De  Villiers  wrote  rapidly;  then 
turned  in  his  chair,  extending  the  papers  toward  me. 

"  There,  Captain  de  Coubert,"  he  explained  gravely,  "  are 
the  writings  you  requested.  I  beg  you,  guard  them  well 
for  my  sake,  and  equally  for  the  honor  of  France.  I  even 
venture  to  request  that  you  leave  behind,  in  the  care  of 
some  friend,  all  papers,  including  your  commission,  except- 
ing that  designed  for  personal  delivery  to  Pontiac;  that  to 
be  destroyed  immediately  upon  his  reading  it.  This  is  a 
matter  about  which  we  cannot  be  too  cautious.  And  now  as 
to  your  further  orders.  At  midnight  —  two  hours  hence  — 
a  light  canoe,  manned  by  two  Indian  paddlers  from  the 
Mission,  will  await  you  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  river 
bank,  slightly  beyond  the  lower  storehouse.  These  men  will 
have  orders  to  convey  you  as  far  as  the  upper  portage  of 
the  Kankakee;  beyond  that  you  must  take  the  forest  trail 
afoot.  I  despatch  with  you  one  soldier  as  companion  and 
guide  —  I  can  spare  no  more.  He  is  an  incorrigible  young 
reprobate,  I  fear,  as  pugnacious  as  a  bulldog,  but  a  good 
soldier  whenever  there  is  a  fight  in  view  —  a  corporal  in  the 
Foot  Regiment  of  Pointiers.  I  know  not  how  the  fellow 
heard  of  it,  but  he  has  been  begging  me  to  send  him  along 
ever  since  I  got  back  to  the  fort,  and  really  I  have  no  better 
for  the  purpose,  for  he  has  twice  been  over  the  passage 
between  here  and  Detroit,  and  will  know  the  road  perfectly." 

"  And  the  half-breed,"  I  questioned  as  he  paused,  "  the 
English  messenger  ?  " 


56  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  I  shall  detain  him  here  at  Chartres  for  three  days  after 
your  departure,  and  under  no  circumstances  are  you  to  per- 
mit him  to  overtake  or  pass  you  on  the  route.  Your  message 
must  be  with  Pontiac  before  the  envoy  reaches  Detroit." 

I  bowed  to  let  him  know  I  understood,  then  sat  in  silence 
waiting  for  him  to  continue. 

"  I  send  no  word  to  the  Indians  in  writing,  save  the  single, 
line  accrediting  you,"  he  said  slowly,  as  if  measuring  his 
instructions  with  care.  "  This  is  for  reasons  already  fully 
outlined.  You  will  see  this  Pontiac  in  person,  wearing  upon 
that  occasion  the  full-dress  uniform  of  the  French  service. 
I  will  see  that  one  which  will  fit  you  is  placed  in  the  boat; 
the  uniform  of  the  Guards  should  prove  the  most  showy. 
Pontiac  is  quite  punctilious  in  matters  of  ceremony,  and  you 
will  omit  no  detail  helpful  to  impress  him  with  your  im- 
portance. Tell  him  this  —  that  I  have  received  his  message 
requesting  cooperation  in  his  present  war  against  the  Eng- 
lish; that  in  response  I  at  once  despatched  you  to  aid  him 
with  your  counsel,  and  will  immediately  forward  him  an 
ample  supply  of  the  needed  munitions  of  war.  Tell  him  the 
entire  sympathies  of  the  great  French  nation  are  with  him 
in  this  struggle,  and  that  I  shall  certainly  extend  every  aid 
in  my  power.  Explain  to  him  most  carefully  our  exact  situa- 
tion here ;  tell  him  that  at  this  moment  I  am  unable  to  spare 
either  officers  or  men,  but  am  daily  expecting  the  arrival  of 
large  reinforcements  from  New  Orleans;  that  there  is  a 
temporary  truce  existing  between  our  King  and  the  Red- 
coats, but  that  if  he  only  continue  to  hold  their  garrisons  in 
check  I  expect  very  soon  to  be  free  to  march  to  his  assist- 
ance. You  understand,  De  Coubert,  the  one  thing,  the  only 
thing,  to  strive  after  in  this  matter  is  delay,  and  continued 
hostility  on  the  part  of  the  savages." 

"  I  comprehend  thoroughly.  Shall  I  make  any  mention 
whatever  of  the  message  received  by  you  from  Detroit  ?  " 

He  leaned  his  head  upon  one  hand,  thinking  silently. 


The  Message  for  Pontiac  57 

"  Yes,"  he  returned  at  last,  "  otherwise  Pontiac  would  as- 
suredly hear  of  it  elsewhere,  and  become  suspicious  that  we 
were  playing  him  false.  Tell  the  Chief  an  envoy  from 
Major  Gladwyn  has  been  here  at  Fort  Chartres  demanding 
that  I  exert  my  influence  among  the  tribes  to  cause  the  with- 
drawal of  the  allied  Indians  from  their  serious  attack  along 
the  frontier,  and,  in  order  to  deceive  the  English,  I  have 
agreed  to  do  so.  But  at  the  same  time  impress  upon  him 
firmly  that  our  real  purpose  is  to  assist  him  in  the  struggle, 
under  cover  at  present,  but  openly  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment.  Have  you  ever  met  with  this  Pontiac  ?  " 

I  shook  my  head. 

"  An  astute  savage,  a  war  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  who  was 
with  us  at  the  Great  Meadows.  You  must  watch  your  words 
most  carefully  lest  he  catch  you  with  a  double  tongue." 

He  remained  so  long  in  silence,  smoking  heavily,  that  I 
finally  questioned : 

"  And  is  that  all,  Monsieur  de.  Villiers  ?  " 

"  All,  I  think ;  if  other  word  come  to  me  I  will  despatch 
a  special  messenger  to  the  boat.  Yet  stay,"  as  I  arose  to 
depart.  "  If  by  any  chance  you  see  fit  to  go  into  battle  with 
these  Indians,  or  in  any  way  take  part  with  them  in  the  field, 
it  will  be  best  to  do  so  merely  as  a  coureur  de  bois,  and  not 
in  uniform." 

"  And  if  captured  ?  "  I  asked  coldly,  beginning  to  realize 
he  had  other  purpose  in  selecting  me  than  the  mere  scarcity 
of  officers  at  Fort  Chartres. 

"  In  that  case,"  he  replied  calmly,  "  Monsieur  will,  of 
course,  understand  that  I  know  nothing  regarding  any  Cap- 
tain de  Coubert  in  the  French  service,  and  the  army  records, 
if  consulted,  will  furnish  proof  that  there  is  no  Captain  of 
that  name.  There  can  be  no  great  reward  without  a  corre- 
sponding risk,  Monsieur." 

The  careful  deliberation  with  which  he  thus  coolly  pro- 
posed sacrificing  me  if  necessary  to  his  own  ambitions  caused 


58  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

me  to  smile.  Already  the  die  was  cast,  and  retreat  not  to  be 
considered;  nor  would  I  permit  him  to  witness  the  slight- 
est signs  of  hesitancy.  Without  a  word  I  arose  quietly  to 
take  final  leave.  At  the  door,  however,  I  paused,  a  new  re- 
membrance occurring  to  mind. 

"  You  have  an  English  girl  here  at  Fort  Chartres,  two  I 
believe,  yet  I  refer  to  the  one  I  had  the  honor  of  dancing 
with  an  hour  ago.  Might  I  ask  her  name  ?  " 

He  frowned,  wheeling  back  from  his  desk  once  more  to 
face  me. 

"  Sacre!  yes!"  he  acknowledged  gloomily.  "As  proud 
as  the  Queen  of  Sheba,  and  constantly  importuning  me  to 
grant  her  and  her  companion  this  and  that,  where  I  possess 
no  power.  Faith,  it  would  seem  as  if  they  wished  the  earth ; 
she,  or  the  other  one,  is  in  here  every  day  with  some  request, 
and  I  know  not  which  I  dread  the  more.  I  would  they  were 
both  safely  with  their  own  people.  Her  name,  you  ask? 
She  is  Mademoiselle  Alene  Maitland,  only  daughter,  as  I 
understand  it,  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Maitland,  of  the  Eng- 
lish service,  Knight-Baronet.  My  faith,  but  it  was  odd  luck 
that  brought  the  two  here." 

"  I  should  be  deeply  interested  in  the  story." 

"  No  doubt,"  he  replied,  dryly.  "  Both  maids  seem  to 
possess  charms  which  bid  fair  to  disrupt  my  entire  garrison 
unless  I  am  soon  rid  of  them,  yet,  in  sooth,  it  is  no  fault  of 
this  one  that  the  young  men  lose  their  hearts,  for  never  saw 
I  a  colder  minx.  The  other,  who  may  be  maid  or  companion, 
I  know  not  which,  is  more  after  the  French  model,  yet  her 
vivacity  is  as  dangerous  in  its  way  as  the  pride  of  the  mis- 
tress. But  the  tale  is  a  short  one.  It  seems  that  when  Miladi 
had  completed  her  education  in  England,  her  mother  being 
dead,  she  determined  to  join  her  father,  who  was  then  in  com- 
mand of  one  of  the  English  garrisons  somewhere  in  the 
Southern  colonies.  Possessing  ample  means  and  a  will  of 
her  own,  which  is  much  in  evidence,  she  immediately  took 


The  Message  for  Pontiac  59 

passage  in  the  ship  '  Good  Hope,'  sailing  from  the  port  of 
Bristol  to  the  Carolinas,  taking  with  her  a  cousin  of  her  own 
sex  as  sole  travelling  companion.  It  proved  a  long  voyage, 
and  an  unlucky  one.  Somewhere  off  Barbadoes  they  ran  into 
a  hurricane,  the  vessel  was  nearly  stripped  of  its  spars  and 
driven  far  to  the  westward  and  south  into  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico.  With  the  final  subsidence  of  the  storm  the  captain 
discovered  his  ship  to  be  in  such  desperate  stress  that  in 
order  to  keep  her  afloat  at  all  he  was  compelled  to  steer 
directly  for  the  nearest  haven,  which  chanced  to  be  New 
Orleans.  Here,  being  an  English  vessel  loaded  with  muni- 
tions of  war,  the  ship  was  promptly  seized  by  the  French 
authorities,  and  a  company  of  infantry  on  board  were  held 
as  prisoners." 

"  And  the  young  lady  ?  "  I  questioned,  impatiently,  as  he 
paused  to  roll  a  cigarette. 

"  She  was  left  stranded  helplessly  there  in  New  Orleans ; 
not  a  prisoner,  of  course,  yet  utterly  unable  to  get  a  British 
ship,  or  indeed  any  other,  to  convey  her  either  to  a  port  in  the 
colonies,  or  back  to  England.  Fortunately  she  had  with  her 
sufficient  funds  upon  which  to  live  in  comfort,  and  no  doubt 
made  things  exceedingly  lively  for  the  Commandant  in  the 
same  manner  she  has  since  done  here.  Faith,  her  opinion  of 
the  French  people  is  not  exalted,  and  she  would  walk  at  will 
with  her  dainty  feet.  However,  by  some  odd  luck,  she  met 
an  English  officer,  made  captive  somewhere  east  of  here  in 
one  of  our  raids,  who  informed  her  that  her  father,  the 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  had  been  transferred  to  the  northern 
department,  and  was  then  upon  the  upper  lakes.  In  fact, 
as  my  later  advices  prove,  he  is  at  present  in  charge  of  the 
English  relief  column  being  gathered  for  the  assistance  of 
Detroit.  In  an  evil  moment  this  captive  officer  suggested  to 
Miladi  that  if  she  could  procure  a  passport  from  the  French 
Governor  of  Louisiana  Province,  she  might  easily  attain  the 
English  outposts  by  way  of  the  great  river,  stating  that  the 


60  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

entire  journey  could  be  made  in  comfort  by  boat,  and  that 
it  would  be  perfectly  safe  now  that  peace  had  been  declared." 

De  Villiers  paused,  smiling  broadly  at  the  memory  as  he 
blew  a  smoke  cloud  into  the  air. 

"  Sacrel  the  project  greatly  appealed  to  her,  and  set 
them  both  going  at  once.  They  must  have  pestered  those 
below  incessantly,  to  have  won  their  way.  I  can  imagine 
her,  insisting,  commanding,  haughtily  taking  everything  for 
granted,  and  sweeping  clerks  imperiously  aside  until  she 
attained  the  chief,  her  gray  eyes  playing  havoc  with  each 
susceptible  heart  on  her  journey,  while  her  companion  smiled 
and  coaxed,  and  played  her  own  graces  to  the  same  end. 
Suffice  that,  between  them,  they  conquered  all  opposition,  and 
at  last  swept  up  to  the  landing-place  out  yonder  in  a  magnifi- 
cent barge,  manned  by  twelve  Creole  oarsmen,  a  parti- 
colored awning  stretched  above  the  after-deck,  with  a  cabin 
for  the  ladies,  and  a  French  cook  to  do  their  bidding.  Par- 
dieu!  it  was  the  sensation  of  the  year,  that  arrival  at 
Chartres." 

"  But  what  stopped  them  from  going  on  ?  " 

"  The  fortunes  of  war,  Monsieur,  as  they  have  stopped 
many  another  noble  pageant  in  history.  Parbleu!  when  my 
sentries  halted  them,  Miladi  swept  in  here,  her  gray  eyes 
ablaze  with  righteous  indignation,  her  head  held  high,  and 
imperiously  handed  me  a  paper  signed  by  De  Vaudreuil's 
own  hand,  ordering  all  French  commandants  to  give  them 
free  passage  and  protection  to  Detroit.  But,  sooth,  those 
with  them  would  go  no  farther,  and  I  had  no  men  to  spare 
for  so  long  a  journey,  nor  could  I  permit  such  as  they  to 
travel  that  perilous  route  unguarded,  with  savages  ranging 
the  entire  border,  maddened  for  English  scalps;  it  would 
have  been  sheer  murder.  So  I  held  firm,  although,  in  truth, 
the  two  of  them  have  ever  since  conspired  to  make  my  life 
miserable." 

"  But  she  possesses  means,  you  said  ?    There  is  always 


The  Message  for  Pontiac  61 

ample  supply  of  voyageurs  here,  and  surely  you  had  no 
authority  to  restrain  them  ?  " 

"  Twice  I  nipped  such  fool  projects  in  the  bud ;  the  fel- 
lows volunteering  were  unworthy  of  trust." 

"  She  has  now  another  scheme  fully  hatched,"  I  said 
doubtfully.  "  It  is  to  travel  eastward  with  Gladwyn's 
messenger." 

He  flung  his  cigarette  butt  out  of  the  open  window. 

"  I  suspected  as  much,  nor  do  I  know  of  any  way  to  pre- 
vent her  doing  so  if  she  desires.  She  has  French  permit, 
and  now  English  escort,  so  that  it  completely  ties  my  hands 
from  interference." 

"  Ay !  "  I  exclaimed  somewhat  hotly,  for  I  liked  not  his 
easy  tone  of  indifference.  "  But  the  fellow  is  a  half-breed 
and  a  cur.  Those  girls  will  be  mad  to  place  the  slightest 
faith  in  such  as  he." 

De  Villiers  rose  to  his  feet  impatiently,  his  cheeks  flushed. 

"  All  true  enough,  Captain  de  Coubert,"  he  retorted  im- 
pulsively. "Yet,  sacre!  what  can  I  do?  I  shall  advise  the 
minx,  but  my  words  will  be  no  more  than  wasted,  if  her 
mind  is  already  settled.  Madame  Lecomte  may  have  a  slight 
weight  in  her  decision,  although  I  have  doubt  even  as  to  that. 
Holy  saints !  I  can  command  men  under  orders,  but  I  am  no 
more  than  a  child  before  the  proud  disdain  of  this  English 
girl.  Perchance,  Monsieur,  you  would  like  a  try  at  it  ?  " 

It  was  excessively  dark  without,  yet  the  lights  continued 
to  gleam  cheerily  through  the  open  doors  of  the  old  bar- 
racks, where  the  noise  and  laughter,  mingled  with  strains 
of  music,  proved  the  dance  still  under  full  headway.  It  was 
an  hour  before  the  time  set  for  my  departure,  and  I  won- 
dered if  Madame  Lecomte  and  her  fair  companion  had 
grown  tired  of  the  scene.  Pausing  merely  for  a  moment 
to  partake  of  a  glass  of  beer  brewed  by  the  thrifty  Jesuits 
at  the  convent,  I  pushed  through  the  throng  of  negroes 


62  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

clustered  about  the  doorway,  and  once  again  took  up  posi- 
tion where  I  might  view  that  entire  interior.  I  was  scarcely 
settled,  my  back  to  the  wall,  before  catching  glimpse  of  the 
petite,  dark-eyed  lass  who  had  first  seduced  me  into  the 
dance.  She  discovered  me  at  the  same  moment,  and  our 
eyes  met. 

"And  has  Monsieur  come  back  for  more  dancing?"  she 
questioned,  pouting  until  the  dimple  in  her  flushed  cheek 
grew  deep  and  most  alluring.  "  Or  perchance  Monsieur, 
having  already  forgotten  his  first  partner,  is  seeking  if  Miladi 
be  yet  here  ?  " 

I  smiled  down  into  her  arch  face. 

"  You  are  an  excellent  guesser,  Mademoiselle,"  I  returned 
happily.  "  I  was  indeed  wondering  if  the  stately  English 
lady  yet  harbored  resentment  at  my  presumption." 

She  frowned  a  little,  as  though  my  speech  were  strange. 

"  Monsieur  himself  is  stately  enough  in  his  speech  —  more 
like  the  language  of  some  great  courtier  than  a  mere  coureur 
de  bois.  Pish !  I  like  it  best  when  men  talk  to  me  so  I  can 
readily  understand  their  meaning.  But  Miladi  Alene;  ay! 
she  is  yet  extremely  angry,  and  has  retired  to  her  own  room 
with  her  cheeks  aflame,  and  vows  to  venture  out  no  more 
to-night,  where  such  boorish  manners  make  of  her  a  laugh- 
ing-stock for  the  mob.  Madame  Lecomte  smiles  at  her 
conceit,  but  Mademoiselle  has  great  pride,  and  will  never 
forgive  you,  Monsieur." 

"  I  am  most  truly  sorry,  yet  it  scarcely  seems  as  though 
the  outcome  occurred  through  any  fault  of  mine." 

"  I  do  not  comprehend,  Monsieur  le  voyageur.  Bah !  all 
men  to  me  are  the  same,  if  they  but  dance  well,  and  have 
faces  good  to  look  upon.  But  Mademoiselle,  she  —  she  is  so 
different;  she  possesses  the  hauteur,  the  reserve  of  the 
Anglais;  she  respects  the  caste.  I  heard  her  tell  Madame 
Lecomte  you  matched  her  step  so  perfectly  she  even  forgot 
you  were  not  a  gentleman,  until  the  music  ceased  and  the 


The  Message  for  Pontiac  63 

crowd  cheered.  Then  she  was  like  to  sink  through  the  floor 
with  shame  at  her  folly." 

"  It  must,  indeed,  have  proven  extremely  embarrassing." 

"  It  was  so  she  felt  it  —  yet  Monsieur  le  coureur  de  bois, 
sometimes  I  suspect  that  Mademoiselle  Alene  may  not  be 
altogether  indifferent.  She  even  asked  me  if  I  knew  your 
name." 

"  And  you  answered  what  ?  " 

"I  told  a  lie,  Monsieur  —  just  a  little  white  lie,  for  I 
did  not  wish  her  to  suppose  I  had  been  so  bold  and  ill- 
bred  as  to  ask  you  to  dance  without  first  knowing  you. 
Mademoiselle  thinks  me  very  free  as  it  is,  and  she  does  not 
like  that  in  those  she  companions  with,  so  I  said  I  had  for- 
gotten. I  thought  I  might  meet  you  again  some  time,  and 
then,  if  Mademoiselle  should  question  me  more  about  you, 
I  would  remember." 

She  laughed  up  into  my  face,  her  eyes  dancing  roguishly. 

"  What  is  your  name,  Monsieur  ?  " 

"  Those  who  love  me  best  call  me  Raoul." 

"  Raoul,"  she  repeated  the  word  archly,  letting  it  linger 
on  her  pretty  lips.  "  Raoul  —  it  is  a  quite  becoming  name, 
Monsieur  le  coureur  de  bois;  prettier  even  than  Jacques. 
Yet  it  is  not  for  those  who  love  you  best  that  I  ask  —  so 
what  is  the  other  ?  " 

"  De  Coubert,"  I  answered,  smiling  at  her  naive  manner, 
her  soft,  kittenish  ways.  Could  there  anywhere  be  found 
greater  contrast  than  between  this  rosy  petite  and  the  re- 
served and  disdainful  Alene?  Yet  each  possessed  a  witch- 
ery impossible  to  analyze,  ay,  or  to  resist. 

"  Raoul  de  Coubert  —  it  is  not  so  bad  a  name  either ; 
at  least  I  have  heard  worse,  and  it  sounds  quite  the  aristo- 
crat. I  will  try  hard  and  remember  it,  so  as  to  repeat  to 
Mademoiselle.  But  you  do  not  once  ask  what  I  am  called  — 
that  is  not  polite,  Monsieur.  Is  it  then  because  you  do  not 
care?" 


64  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Because  I  have  no  need ;  you  are  Rene,  Mademoiselle's 
companion." 

"  Oh,  am  I,  indeed  ?  And  where  learned  you  all  this, 
pray?" 

"  I  overheard  it  from  Madame  Lecomte." 

She  glanced  around  with  a  slight  coquettish  movement 
of  alarm. 

"  Oh,  bah !  I  had  forgotten,"  she  cried  suddenly.  "  It 
was  Madame  Lecomte  who  sent  me  hither.  She  would 
have  word  with  you,  Monsieur,  over  yonder  by  the  musi- 
cians' stand.  I  beg  you  have  grave  care  with  Madame 
Lecomte ;  I  have  seen  her  husband,  and  he  is  so  big  and 
strong,  like  an  ox." 

She  swept  away  swiftly,  keeping  step  to  the  music,  greet- 
ing cheerily  by  name  nearly  everyone  she  met  in  her  pas- 
sage, the  bright  ribbon,  loosening  in  her  hair,  fluttering 
behind  her  like  some  scarlet  bird.  I  skirted  the  wall  slowly 
toward  where  Madame  Lecomte  stood,  wondering  vaguely 
as  I  progressed  what  possible  word  she  could  have  for  me. 
As  I  approached  she  slipped  silently  through  the  open  door 
onto  the  darkened  esplanade,  and,  in  response  to  her  quick 
glance  of  invitation,  I  followed.  At  the  corner  of  the 
building,  just  beyond  the  faint  circle  of  light,  she  paused 
waiting  me. 

"  It  is  extremely  courteous  of  you,  Captain  de  Coubert," 
she  said,  pleasantly,  "  to  respond  so  promptly  to  my  un- 
conventional message." 

"  My  time  chances  to  be  quite  limited,  Madame,"  I  replied 
in  unconcealed  surprise.  "  But  it  seems  you  even  know 
my  name." 

"  Most  assuredly,  and  your  mission  as  well."  She  laughed 
gaily,  and  added  with  some  trace  of  mischief :  "  Yet  I 
have  not  ventured  to  inform  Mademoiselle  Alene,  Monsieur, 
for  that  would  spoil  all  of  the  evening's  sport.  Certes,  but 
it  will  surely  do  her  much  good  to  reflect  upon  the  happen- 


The  Message  for  Pontiac  65 

ings  of  this  night,  for  she  possesses  such  intense  dislike 
for  all  things  French  that  at  times  I  even  lose  my  patience 
with  her.  Yet  it  was  not  for  this  I  called  you.  Monsieur, 
you  may  not  know,  being  as  I  understand  a  stranger  to 
the  upper  river,  but  I  am  somewhat  in  the  confidence  of 
Monsieur  de  Villiers,  and  have  consulted  with  him  regarding 
your  mission.  We  do  not  altogether  agree.  He  views  its 
necessity  from  the  standpoint  of  a  man  and  soldier,  I  see  it 
as  a  woman ;  ambition  blinds  him  somewhat  in  his  judgment, 
while  I  can  never  remain  indifferent  to  outraged  women,  or 
the  cries  of  little  children.  Have  you  any  personal  knowl- 
edge, Monsieur,  of  the  real  horrors  of  an  Indian  campaign  ?  " 

"  I  was  with  D'Artaguette's  expedition  against  the  Chicka- 
saws,  Madame,  and  there  witnessed  pitiless  savagery." 

She  lifted  her  hands  to  her  eyes  as  if  to  shut  out  the 
sudden,  reawakened  memory. 

"  M on  Dieu,  yes !  those  were  horrible  days.  Poor  men ! 
how  intensely  I  suffered  upon  hearing  of  their  terrible  fate ! 
De  Vincennes  and  Father  Senat  were  both  my  friends;  I 
knew  them  well.  Can  it  be  that  my  name  is  entirely  un- 
known to  you,  Captain  de  Coubert  ?  " 

"  The  reputation  of  Madame  Lecomte  is  in  the  heart  of 
every  Frenchman  along  the  great  river." 

"  For  good,  I  trust,"  she  said  soberly,  and  I  thought 
there  was  a  glimmer  of  tears  in  her  dark  eyes  as  she  faced 
me.  "  Under  God  I  have  ever  sought  the  right.  But,  Mon- 
sieur, I  have  been  reading  your  face  to-night  in  the  hall 
yonder  —  it  is  the  countenance  of  a  strong  man,  with  a 
kindly  heart.  In  what  purpose  do  you  accept  this  un- 
pleasant mission  for  Monsieur  de  Villiers  ?  " 

There  are  those  in  this  world  whom  one  trusts  instinc- 
tively —  their  faith,  their  silence,  beyond  all  question.  This 
woman  was  one. 

"  I  go  to  deliver  his  message,  Madame,  word  for  word  as 
he  gives  it  to  me,  for  I  believe  it  will  have  little  or  no 

5 


66  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

effect  upon  results,"  I  answered  plainly.  "  How  can  it  ? 
The  Indians  are  already  confederated  and  fully  committed 
to  this  war;  they  have  attacked  English  forts,  and  their 
scouting  parties  have  raided  the  English  settlements  to  the 
very  outskirts  of  their  cities.  This  conspiracy  has  already 
gone  too  far  to  be  checked  except  by  decisive  action  and 
force  of  arms.  Monsieur  de  Villiers's  message  can  change 
nothing.  It  may,  indeed,  bring  momentary  confidence  to 
Pontiac  and  his  followers,  yet  it  adds  nothing  to  their  power 
for  evil,  or  their  ability  to  injure  the  English  settlers.  After 
that,  as  the  authorized  representative  of  France,  I  purpose 
remaining  with  the  hostiles,  exerting  my  utmost  endeavors 
for  humanity  and  the  saving  of  human  life.  Would  this 
not  be  your  desire,  Madame?" 

I  felt  her  hand  press  mine  warmly. 

"  Before  God,  yes ;  it  is  what  I  believed  of  you,  and  your 
brave  words  have  eased  me  greatly.  Captain  de  Coubert, 
I  have  not  much  with  which  to  aid  you,  but  I  give  you  this 
amulet  —  it  was  a  gift  to  me  from  Pontiac  himself,  and 
has  his  totem  burnt  upon  it.  Perchance  it  may  possess 
sufficient  power  to  preserve  some  tortured  life  away  yonder 
in  the  black  forest." 

I  accepted  the  gift  from  her  hand,  hiding  it  away  care- 
fully within  the  bosom  of  my  shirt.  As  I  did  so  my  fingers 
came  into  contact  with  those  papers  stored  therein. 

"  Madame  Lecomte,"  I  said,  drawing  them  forth,  "  my 
mission  at  best  is  bound  to  be  a  perilous  one,  and  I  have  here 
some  documents  of  authority,  among  them  my  commission, 
which  Monsieur  de  Villiers  deems  it  expedient  that  I  leave 
behind.  Would  you  accept  their  care  until  my  return?  In 
case  of  my  death  the  address  of  the  one  most  likely  to  be 
interested  will  be  found  noted  thereon." 

"  Anything  in  my  power  to  assist  you,"  was  the  instant 
response.  "  But  your  time  for  departure  was  to  be  mid- 
night, and  it  is  nearly  that  hour  now." 


The  Message  for  Pontiac  67 

She  extended  her  hands  impulsively,  and  I  bent  over, 
pressing  my  lips  upon  them. 

"  May  the  good  God  guide  you  on  your  long  journey," 
she  exclaimed  soberly,  "  and  make  you  ever  merciful  to  the 
helpless.  The  true  cause  of  France  can  never  depend  on 
the  murder  of  the  innocent." 

The  next  moment  I  was  striding  through  the  darkness 
across  the  deserted  parade,  sobered  and  strengthened  by  her 
words  to  a  deeper  realization  of  my  duty.  At  the  summit 
of  the  river  bank  I  paused,  remembering  I  had  spoken  no 
word  of  warning  about  the  proposed  journey  of  those  Eng- 
lish girls.  No  shadow  of  a  form  hovered  in  the  corner  where 
I  had  left  her  standing.  Whether  or  not  any  utterance  of 
mine  would  have  had  weight,  it  was  now  too  late. 


CHAPTER  VII 

CORPORAL    CASSADI,    OF    THE    FOOT    REGIMENT    OF    POINTIERS 

THE  soft  strains  of  distant  music  stole  echoing  down 
over  the  high  bluff  as  our  narrow  canoe  swept  noise- 
lessly forth  into  the  black  water.  It  was  like  the  sweet 
voice  of  a  maiden  bidding  God-speed  upon  the  perilous 
voyage.  A  star  or  two,  peeping  shyly  through  the  cloud- 
rifts,  found  silvery  reflection  far  away  along  the  swift  flood, 
but  we  continued  to  skirt  closely  beside  the  rock  barrier, 
where  the  gloom  clung  deepest,  our  sombre  boat  the  merest 
slender  shadow  as  it  glided  silently  onward.  The  two 
Indians  toiled  with  skill,  their  broad  paddles  hardly  leaving 
so  much  as  a  ripple  to  mark  our  progress,  their  dark,  lean 
bodies  seemingly  motionless,  save  as  I  might  discern  the 
steady  rise  and  fall  of  tireless  arms.  The  water  rippled 
gently  about  the  stern,  where  I  lay  at  rest,  and  I  could  dis- 
tinguish a  faint  glimmer  of  white  foam  disappearing  into 
the  blackness  behind  as  proof  of  rapid  passage,  while  to 
right  and  left  the  surging  waters  merged  into  the  darker 
shores,  unvexed  and  lonely.  Far  up  within  the  narrow  bow, 
looking  little  more  than  a  smudge  of  deeper  gloom,  lay  curled 
my  sole  white  companion,  undoubtedly  sleeping  the  sleep 
of  the  just.  High  overhead  the  clouds  scurried  as  though 
they  were  the  jagged  end  of  some  far-distant  storm,  while 
occasionally  the  spectral  trees  lining  the  high  bluff  bent  to 
some  sudden  puff  of  wind,  their  rustling  leaves  sounding 
above  the  gentle  murmur  of  the  river  as  though  swept 
by  hail. 

Late  as  the  hour  already  was,  even  the  soothing  motion 
of  the  boat  and  the  dreamy  silence  of  the  night  brought  me 


Corporal  Cassadi  69 

no  desire  for  slumber.  My  mind  was  far  too  active,  too 
crowded  by  memories  of  those  past  few  hours,  and  by 
reflections  upon  the  future.  Out  from  the  hardships  and 
disappointments  of  many  years  opportunity  once  more  con- 
fronted me ;  a  commissioned  officer  of  the  King,  I  was  again 
abroad  upon  active  duty,  eager  and  alert  enough  to  retrieve 
my  lost  standing  in  the  service.  True,  I  possessed  small 
interest  in  this  special  work  assigned;  yet  I  realized  its 
peril,  and  what  it  must  mean  to  me  if  successfully  carried 
out,  and  if  the  story  were  brought  to  the  attention  of  the 
King.  While  failure  in  such  secret  mission  as  mine  would 
never  be  forgiven,  equally  certain  would  a  great  reward  re- 
pay success.  Carefully  I  outlined,  again  and  again,  my  plan 
of  dealing  with  Pontiac,  striving  to  prepare  myself  in  ad- 
vance for  every  possible  contingency.  Then,  relieved  of 
this,  my  mind  drifted  naturally  back  to  idle  thoughts  of 
vivacious  Rene,  and  fair  and  proud  Mademoiselle.  These 
recollections  of  the  evening's  adventures  awakened  a  smile, 
yet  the  slight  humor  of  it  early  merged  into  a  feeling 
utterly  unlike  any  I  had  ever  before  experienced.  I  had 
in  other  days  met  many  high-bred  women  of  England  in 
fair  and  open  social  intercourse,  met  them  as  equals  and 
upon  terms  of  friendship.  But  this  English  girl,  so  pecu- 
liarly isolated  on  the  far  frontier,  seemed  totally  different 
from  all  those  others.  Hers  was  a  personality  unique, 
distinct,  standing  alone  in  its  attractiveness  before  my 
memory.  I  could  associate  her  with  no  other  remembrance 
of  womanhood.  I  wondered  if  her  pride,  her  stately  haughti- 
ness of  manner  and  speech,  was  not  partially  assumed,  a 
mere  outward  armor  of  protection  against  rude  border 
license.  Beyond  all  doubt  much  that  she  must  daily  meet 
and  witness  among  the  rough  surroundings  of  this  unciv- 
ilized Illinois  country  —  the  French  vivacity  and  carelessness 
of  speech  and  action  —  would  prove  most  abhorrent  to  one 
of  her  early  training  and  high  social  position.  What  more 


yo  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

likely,  then,  than  that  she  should  endeavor  to  protect  herself 
from  closer  contact  with  it  by  use  of  the  sole  weapon  con- 
veniently at  her  command  —  an  impenetrable  and  repellent 
reserve  ? 

Surely  this  was  an  extremely  difficult  position  in  which 
she  found  herself  —  utterly  alone  and  unprotected  amid  a 
strange  and  alien  people,  the  open  and  avowed  enemies  of 
her  nation;  unable  to  turn  anywhere  for  either  advice  or 
guidance,  herself  but  a  young  girl  unsophisticated  in  the 
ways  of  the  world,  unacquainted  with  the  rough  habits  of 
the  wilderness,  her  sole  companion  one  even  more  helpless 
than  herself.  It  must  be  thus.  I  pictured  again  before  me 
her  fair  young  face,  as  I  had  caught  it  once  for  an  instant 
in  repose,  when  she  had  lapsed  into  forgetfulness  of  sur- 
roundings. Somehow  much  of  the- pride  had  gone  out  of  it, 
and  there  was  a  tenderness  within  those  dark  gray  eyes,  and 
a  gentleness  smiling  upon  the  parted  lips,  which  bore  true 
witness  to  the  warm,  womanly  heart  throbbing  beneath. 
I  recalled  how  the  full  bosom  rose  and  fell  to  her  deep 
breathing;  how  those  straying  locks  of  perfumed  hair,  soft 
as  satin,  gleaming  as  gold,  swept  my  cheek;  how  the  deli- 
cate flush  crept  up  into  the  clear  cheeks,  while  her  hand 
pressed  mine  in  forgetful  confidence.  No!  this  could  be 
no  cold  statue  of  a  woman,  dominated  by  stiff  pride,  hiding 
her  deficiencies  behind  an  impenetrable  reserve  —  these  out- 
ward things  were  no  other  than  the  masquerade;  behind 
them,  somewhere,  hid  the  warm,  throbbing  heart,  the  ability 
to  love  and  sacrifice.  Somehow  the  very  pity  of  it  slowly  took 
possession  of  me ;  I  realized,  understood,  how  utterly  lonely 
she  must  feel,  and,  in  a  flash,  I  knew  I  loved  her.  Miracle 
of  miracles,  how  in  one  blinding  second  it  came  to  me,  and 
how  it  swept  aside  every  previous  dark  mist  of  life!  Ay! 
in  that  little  tossing  boat,  shrouded  beneath  midnight  dark- 
ness—  the  distant  shores  a  mere  smudge  of  deeper  gloom, 
the  skies  above  like  the  shadow  of  a  coffin  cover  —  there 


Corporal  Cassadi  71 

came  to  me  unsought,  unheralded,  a  delicious,  daring  dream, 
a  new  hope,  a  wild,  masterful  emotion,  and  all  of  life  worth 
living  seemed  suddenly  centred  about  that  lonely  girl  I  was 
so  fast  leaving  behind  me  —  that  fair,  proud,  disdainful 
daughter  of  Albion,  in  whose  memory  I  was  not  even  a 
gentleman,  but  a  mere  despised  coureur  de  bois,  a  vagrant 
of  the  forest. 

Mother  of  God !  but  love  is  a  strange  visitant,  ever  wing- 
ing its  way  unheralded  out  of  the  dark.  None  could  pos- 
sibly be  farther  apart  than  we  —  separated  by  barriers  of 
wealth,  of  social  position,  and  of  race.  I  could  imagine  her 
proud  lips  curling  derisively  at  the  merest  conception  of 
it,  and  the  imperious  look  in  her  eyes  at  faintest  dream  of 
such  an  insult.  Yet  the  image  would  not  vanish  from  my 
brain;  I  could  not  force  it  from  me.  I  loved  her,  loved 
this  proud,  fair,  distant,  disdainful  English  girl,  loved  her 
not  as  young  boys  love,  to  forget  in  the  coming  of  another, 
but  with  all  the  strength  of  a  manhood  which  had  been 
forged  into  steel  by  years  of  discipline  and  adventure.  Out 
of  that  gloomy  night  she  came,  ever  alluring  me,  daring  me 
to  the  unequal  struggle,  and  seeming  to  promise  me  an  im- 
possible reward.  Ay,  and  it  was  impossible!  Never  saw 
I  clearer  than  in  that  hour  the  insanity  of  the  thought; 
the  wide  and  impassable  gulf  between  us.  Pardieu!  it  was 
absurd.  What  miracle  could  ever  draw  together  this  patri- 
cian of  England,  and  a  homeless  French  adventurer  of  the 
backwoods?  Better  that  I  strangle  the  dream  ere  it  master 
me. 

Suddenly  I  drew  a  deep  breath.  What  madness,  what 
unutterable  folly,  lay  hidden  in  her  wild  scheme  to  travel 
eastward  with  Gladwyn's  half-breed  messenger!  Would 
De  Villiers,  would  Madame  Lecomte,  be  able  to  restrain  her, 
to  balk  her  openly  avowed  purpose  ?  Instinctively,  from  the 
very  moment  of  our  earliest  meeting,  I  had  hated,  distrusted, 
despised,  that  black-faced  Canadian  mongrel.  I  had  come 


72  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

into  contact  with  his  sort  before,  and  the  very  conception  of 
this  gentle,  unsuspecting,  high-bred  girl  being  left  alone  in 
his  keeping  upon  such  a  journey,  was  a  pain,  a  positive 
agony.  True,  he  might  treat  her  fairly  enough,  and  with 
respect  —  no  doubt  there  was  a  sure  reward  awaiting  him  at 
the  other  end,  if  she  were  once  safely  delivered  at  Detroit; 
yet  his  shifting  eyes,  his  cruel  mouth,  the  very  innate  cow- 
ardice I  suspected  beneath  that  outward  show  of  brutish 
bravado,  recurred  to  me  in  vivid  remembrance,  and  I  gripped 
the  gunwale  of  the  frail  canoe  as  though  his  throat  had  been 
compressed  between  my  fingers.  Sacre!  I  would  trust  no 
sister  with  him,  not  for  a  day,  in  that  wilderness;  and,  al- 
though I  never  expected  to  tell  her  so,  I  loved  this  Mademoi- 
selle Alene. 

For  an  instant  I  sat  up,  the  words  trembling  on  my  lips 
which  would  bid  my  Indians  turn  prow  instantly  backward 
to  Chartres.  Yet  I  held  silence.  No!  my  duty,  plainly 
enough,  lay  in  pressing  onward.  I  had  been  promised  three 
days  the  start  —  three  days!  what  might  not  be  accom- 
plished in  three  days,  inspired  as  I  now  was  to  hasten! 
Through  darkness  and  light,  storm  and  sunshine,  we  must 
press  steadily  forward,  the  soldier  and  I  relieving  the  wearied 
Indians  at  the  paddles,  pausing  only  in  our  swift  flight  while 
hastily  preparing  food.  We  would  thus  gain  time,  hour 
after  hour,  over  that  slower,  heavier  boat  lagging  behind ; 
bear  my  military  message  to  Pontiac,  and  then  take  the  back- 
ward trail.  True,  Mademoiselle  might  never  attempt  the 
voyage;  yet  if  she  did?  if  her  proud  insistence  overbore  all 
restraint,  and  she,  with  Rene,  plunged  unprotected  into  the 
wilderness  with  such  company  ?  I  shivered  at  the  mere  con- 
ception of  it;  I  might  owe  service  to  my  King,  and  to 
Monsieur  de  Villiers  —  no  less  strong  there  now  rested  upon 
me  the  voiceless  demands  of  this  friendless,  unprotected 
girl. 

So  then,  it  was  destined  to  be  a  real  race  between  us! 


Corporal  Cassadi  73 

Saint  Denis!  such  a  race!  Against  the  swift,  surging  cur- 
rent of  mighty  rivers,  up  silvery  streams,  through  tangled 
and  gloomy  forests,  amid  cordons  of  stealthy  savages,  along 
league  after  league  stretching  across  that  trackless  wilderness, 
over  deserted  trails,  in  the  midst  of  wild  beasts,  across  vast 
desolate  plains,  with  death  lurking  in  the  night  shadows,  and 
danger  skulking  in  the  sunlight.  The  conception  was  as  a 
shock,  awakening  me  instantly  from  hours  of  dreaming  to 
the  necessity  of  immediate  action. 

I  roused  up  and  glanced  about,  alert  and  masterful.  Al- 
ready in  the  far  east  the  sky  was  growing  gray  with  coming 
dawn,  the  few  light  clouds  overhead  scurrying  away  north- 
ward. The  two  Indians  toiled  sturdily,  the  regular  dip  of 
their  short  paddles  mingling  cheerily  with  the  gentle  ripple 
of  the  water  along  the  sides  of  the  canoe,  but  I  noted  their 
slim  bodies  bent  more  forward,  while  their  strokes  were 
slower,  evidencing  wearied  muscles.  The  soldier  was  awake 
by  now,  his  head  thrust  forward  over  the  bow  so  I  could 
gain  no  glimpse  of  his  face,  but  he  wore  a  blue  coat  with 
white  facings,  while  upon  his  sleeve  appeared  the  narrow 
chevrons  of  a  corporal.  Huddled  up  as  he  lay,  he  yet  looked 
to  be  a  heavily  built,  sturdy  fellow.  The  waters  of  the  great 
river  swept  solemnly  past  us  upon  the  left  in  one  vast  yellow 
flood,  appearing  almost  sullen  beneath  the  dull  gray  of  the 
dawn.  The  high  bluff  along  which  we  coasted,  seeking  thus 
to  avoid  somewhat  the  heavier  downpour  of  the  current,  was 
rock-strewn  and  precipitous ;  directly  ahead,  and,  perhaps  a 
hundred  yards  away,  a  small  island,  covered  with  coarse 
grass  to  the  water's  edge,  and  having  a  few  diminutive  trees 
growing  upon  it,  barely  left  passageway  between  its  guard- 
ing rocks  and  the  shore. 

"  How  far  have  we  travelled  from  Chartres  ? "  I  ques- 
tioned. 

The  Indian  nearest  me  turned  his  head  slightly,  yet  with- 
out varying  his  stroke. 


74  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Some  seven  leagues,  I  think,  master,"  he  answered  in  the 
broken  patois  of  the  mission.  "  'T  is  the  usual  time." 

"  Point  your  canoe  toward  the  head  of  that  island  yonder 
—  we  will  rest  and  breakfast." 

Cramped  from  long  and  unaccustomed  sitting  within  so 
narrow  a  space,  and  realizing  the  necessity  of  an  officer  hold- 
ing somewhat  aloof  from  his  followers  in  wilderness  travel, 
I  pushed  forward  alone  toward  the  higher  ridge  of  the 
island,  leaving  those  others  to  arrange  their  morning  meal 
in  any  way  they  deemed  best.  The  broad  deserted  river 
swept  to  the  eastward  in  long,  solemn  turning,  thus  more 
fully  revealing  its  sublime  majesty  as  it  surged  with  tumul- 
tuous current  around  the  rocky  head  of  the  island.  Across 
these  racing  waters  the  slowly  rising  sun  flung  the  first  red 
ray  of  dawn,  and  I  watched  the  gentle  play  of  variegated 
lights  over  that  ever-changing  surface  —  the  strange  inter- 
mingling of  grays  and  purple  and  crimsons  —  fascinated  by 
the  picture,  and  for  the  moment  forgetful  of  everything  save 
that  grim,  lonely  scene  outspread  before  me.  But  at  last  I 
wearied  of  it,  and,  retracing  my  steps  slowly  through  the 
high  grass  wet  with  dew,  rejoined  the  others.  The  Indians 
were  already  eating  greedily,  but  the  soldier  awaited  my 
coming,  seemingly  unsettled  as  to  where  he  was  expected  to 
mess. 

"  Sit  down,  Corporal,"  I  ordered  quietly.  "  There  will  be 
no  formal  distinctions  of  rank  between  us  on  this  trip." 

As  he  commenced  his  meal  I  watched  him  curiously,  and 
for  almost  the  first  time  in  my  life  found  much  difficulty  in 
gauging  the  status  of  my  man.  He  was  assuredly  an  odd 
specimen,  as  De  Villiers  had  intimated,  and  possessed  little 
enough  about  him,  other  than  his  uniform,  to  remind  me  of 
a  French  soldier.  A  short,  pudgy  fellow  he  looked,  unusu- 
ally broad  of  shoulder,  his  bared  arms  ridged  with  muscle. 
From  a  stout,  thick  neck  there  arose  a  bullet  head,  the  face 
round,  florid,  and  almost  boyish,  the  reddish  hair  cropped 


Corporal  Cassadi  75 

short  and  standing  stiffly  erect.  His  cheeks  were  burned 
as  though  from  long  exposure,  while  beneath  the  tan  a  per- 
fect mass  of  freckles  was  visible.  He  wore  a  slight,  reddish 
moustache,  trimmed  to  conform  to  the  lip,  and  his  wide-open 
blue  eyes  were  full  of  laughter  and  audacity.  Indeed  it  was 
a  face  instinct  with  good  humour,  the  nose  somewhat  up- 
tilted,  the  wide  mouth  constantly  smiling,  yet  there  was  an 
odd  pugnacity  written  upon  it  also  —  he  was  not  a  man  likely 
to  submit  to  any  undue  liberties.  As  he  glanced  carelessly 
up  from  his  eating,  and  caught  my  eyes  fastened  upon  him, 
he  winked  slyly,  his  face  expanding  into  a  broad  grin. 

"  The  vary  top  o'  the  marnin'  to  yer  honor,"  he  said  in 
strangely  accented  English.  "  Shure,  an'  this  is  not  so  bad, 
and  the  haythen  paddled  along  moighty  foine  durin'  the 
noight,  at  laist  whin  I  wus  a-wakin'  to  kape  an  eye  on 
thim." 

I  stared  across  at  him,  scarcely  retaining  confidence  in  my 
own  ears,  either  as  to  his  lack  of  respect  toward  an  officer,  or 
as  to  the  language  with  which  he  chose  to  address  me. 

"  Why  do  you  speak  in  English,  my  man  ?  "  I  questioned 
sternly,  yet  using  that  tongue  for  fear  he  might  not  com- 
prehend another.  "  As  a  French  soldier  certainly  you  must 
know  best  your  native  language." 

The  blue  eyes  fairly  bubbled  over  with  increasing 
merriment. 

"  Shure,  sorr,  an'  Oi  do  that,"  he  explained  confidentially. 
"  But,  bedad,  Oi  'm  nayther  the  one  nor  the  ither.  Dom  the 
bloody  English,  an'  dom  the  parley-voo  Frinch,  say  Oi,  askin' 
yer  pardon,  sorr,  fer  the  liberty  ov  me  words.  It  is  rale  ould 
Oirish  thet  Oi  am,  sorr,  glory  be  to  God." 

"  Irish  ?  But  you  are  wearing  the  uniform  of  the  Foot 
Regiment  of  Pointiers.  Why,  then,  do  you  address  your 
first  words  to  me  in  English  ?  " 

He  winked  again,  screwing  up  one  eye  until  I  lost  sight 
of  it  completely. 


7 6  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  It  wus  no  more  than  me  plisant  disposition,  sorr.  Oi 
thot  maybe  it  moight  plaze  yer  honor  to  hear  thet  language 
spoke  oncet  more  wid  nateness  an'  aise,  jist  here  at  ween  the 
two  ov  us.  Shure  an'  there  's  no  harm  done,  as  far  as  Oi  kin 
see,  fer  the  haythen  over  beyant  wud  niver  know  the  dif- 
rance  in  a  thousand  year." 

"  You  are,  indeed,  a  French  soldier  then  ?  " 

"  A  carperal,  be  the  blessin'  uv  God,"  he  said  piously. 
"  But  may  Oi  niver  see  them  dom  parley-voos  agin." 

"  What  do  they  call  you?  " 

"  Thim  ?  "  He  flung  his  hand  back  over  his  shoulder. 
"  Me  name  is  it  ye  're  afther  ?  Carperal  Cassadi.  Bedad 
an'  they  tell  me  Oi  must  be  an  Oytalyan  be  the  sound  uv  it," 
and  he  spat  vigorously.  "  The  cristenin'  uv  me  be  thet  name, 
sorr,  wus  the  toughest  blow  uv  all." 

"  It  certainly  has  a  decidedly  Italian  sound ;  then  it  is  not 
your  own  ?  " 

"  Me  own  ?  me  rale  name  ?  Faith,  an'  I  should  say  not, 
sorr.  It  wus  no  less  than  the  way  that  dom  Frinch  recruitin' 
officer  at  Toulon  made  out  to  spell  it,  bad  cess  to  the  loikes 
uv  him  to  turn  a  rale  honist  Oirish  lad  into  a  black  Oy- 
talyan wid  no  more  nor  a  slip  uv  his  durty  pen.  Me  rale 
name  is  it  ye  want  ?  Shure,  an'  Oi  'm  Jack  Cassady,  uv  Bal- 
linasloe,  Connaught,  Oireland,  yer  honor;  me  father  wus 
gamekeeper  to  the  ould  Duke  uv  Sistene  —  God  rist  his 
sowl !  —  and  died  from  atein'  too  mich  rid  deer.  An'  whut  's 
more,  bedad  Oi  'm  agoin'  strait  back  to  the  ould  sod,  if  Oi 
have  to  ate  ivery  black  haythen  Oi  mate  on  the  way." 

"  How  ever  came  you  in  the  French  service  if  you  dislike 
it  so  much  ?  " 

The  blue  eyes  danced  merrily  once  more,  and  he  paused 
in  his  eating  to  stare  at  me  sitting  opposite. 

"  Shure  an'  thet  wud  make  a  moighty  long  story,  yer  honor ; 
be  me  sowl,  an'  Oi  don't  know  mor'  nor  half  uv  it  meself. 
But  Oi  '11  tell  ye  how  Oi  furst  got  out  uv  Ballinasloe,  bad 


Corporal  Cassadi  77 

cess  to  the  luck  uv  it.  Oi  wus  doin'  foine  there,  sorr,  Oi 
wus  thet.  Oi  hed  a  pig,  a  bit  uv  a  pony,  near  an  acre 
a-growin'  in  petaties,  beside  bein'  sexton  uv  the  church  — 
four  pound  a  year,  divil  a  bit  less.  Fayther  Doyle  wus  the 
praist  —  may  the  saints  presarve  him  —  a  moighty  foine 
mon,  but  over  friendly  wid  a  long-legged  Prasbytarian 
pracher  at  Roscommon,  es  everybody  sed.  Well,  sorr,  it 
wus  Michaelmas  week,  an'  the  Fayther  giv'  a  lecture.  He 
wus  a  grate  spaker,  wus  Fayther  Doyle,  an'  all  the  gossoons 
turned  out  strong  ter  hear  him.  Thet  wus  a  crowded  meet- 
ing, divil  a  sate  lift  enywher,  whin  in  cum  that  Prasbytarian 
pracher  wid  his  wife  an'  a  lass,  a-walkin'  up  the  aisle,  lookin' 
fer  a  place  to  sit  down.  It  wus  Fayther  Doyle  whut  spied 
thim,  an  he  sung  out  to  me: 

" '  Go  out  into  the  chancel,  ye  spalpeen,  an'  tell  the  byes 
to  giv'  thim  three  chares.' 

" '  Do  whut  ? '  Oi  asked,  me  eyes  bulgin'  out  wid  horror. 

"  '  Are  ye  dafe  es  well  as  daffy  ? '  he  ses.  '  Tell  the  byes 
ter  giv'  'em  three  chares;  don't  ye  see  thim  comin'  down 
the  aisle  beyant  ?  ' 

" '  Ay,'  Oi  sed,  '  Oi  see  thim  plain  enough,  but,  bedad, 
it  '11  be  the  ruination  uv  ye.' 

" '  It 's  little  Oi  nade  yer  advice/  he  sed,  gittin'  angry. 
'  Go  out  thar  an'  do  whut  Oi  say,  or  there  '11  be  a  new  sexton 
at  St.  Bede's  the  morrow.' 

"  '  Oi  'm  to  tell  them  to  give  three  chares  ? ' 

"  '  Thet 's  whut/ 

"  Well,  sorr,  Oi  got  out  ther  someway,  though  Oi  wus  a 
bit  groggy  on  me  legs,  an'  Oi  ses: 

"  '  Byes,  Fayther  Doyle '  —  God  be  marciful  to  him !  — 
'  ses  we  're  to  giv  thim  Protestants  three  chares  —  hip,  hip, 
hooray,  hooray,  hooray ! ' 

"  Oi  '11  be  dom'd,  sorr,  if  one  of  the  spalpeens  helped  me 
out,  an'  Oi  stood  thar  swingin'  me  .arrums  loike  a  cock 
learnin'  to  crow. 


78  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  '  Why  don't  ye  chare,  ye  Oirish  haythen  ?  '  ses  Oi.  '  Why 
don't  ye  chare  ? ' 

"  Holy  Mother,  but  ye  should  hev  seen  the  riot,  sorr. 
Glory  be  to  God !  Oi  wus  three  yards  ahed  uv  his  riverence 
whin  he  stubbed  his  toe,  but  some  uv  the  byes  wus  thet  mad 
they  chased  me  clare  into  Dooblin.  An'  it  wus  loike  thet 
Oi  left  Ballinasloe,  sorr." 

I  sat  for  some  time  eating  in  silence,  my  eyes  fixed  upon 
my  companion,  wondering  what  all  this  might  mean,  what 
unexpected  effect  it  could  have  upon  my  maturing  plans 
for  the  assistance  of  Mademoiselle.  Suddenly  the  corporal 
leaned  forward,  as  though  he  would  speak  confidentially  into 
the  ear  of  a  friend. 

"  Where  's  the  gyurls  ?  "   he  asked  in  a  hoarse  whisper. 

"  The  what  ?  "  I  questioned  incredulously,  taken  completely 
by  surprise. 

"  The  gyurls,  yer  honor.  Oh,  Oi  'm  onter  yer  foine  trick 
all  roight,  sorr,  or  niver  wud  I  hev  bin  caught  here  at  all, 
at  all.  Be  ye  goin'  to  wait  fer  thim  to  catch  up  wid  ye,  or 
do  they  be  goin'  to  ride  across,  an'  cum  up  wid  us  beyant? 
Sure  this  baby  uv  a  canoe  will  be  dom  badly  crowded  wid 
the  two  uv  thim,  wid  all  their  fixin',  Oi  'm  a-thinkin'." 

"  Corporal  Cassadi,"  I  exclaimed  sternly,  staring  at  him, 
and  wondering  if  I  had  been  given  a  crazy  man  for  a  com- 
panion, "  your  conversation  is  extremely  interesting,  but 
somehow  I  fail  to  grasp  its  entire  meaning.  Perhaps  you 
would  kindly  explain.  This  is  not  a  picnic,  nor  am  I  aware 
of  the  likelihood  of  any  ladies  joining  our  little  party." 

His  face  was  a  profound  study  in  its  evident  perplexity. 
For  a  moment  even  his  ready  tongue  failed,  and  he  seemed 
unable  to  find  speech.  I  could  read  doubt,  questioning, 
amazement  in  his  wide-open  blue  eyes. 

"  Ah,  shure  now,  yer  honor,  an'  whut  's  the  use  uv  tryin' 
to  fule  me?"  he  exclaimed  at  last  reproachfully.  "  Oi  'm 
not  the  lad  to  iver  go  back  on  ye,  an'  it  wus  Rene,  no  less, 


Corporal  Cassadi  79 

who  told  me  all  about  it  her  swate  self.  Niver  else  wud  I 
be  here,  be  the  powers,  not  even  fer  ould  De  Villiers,  the 
rid-faced  divil." 

His  apparent  earnestness,  together  with  this  chance  men- 
tion of  the  girl's  name  yielded  me  sudden  clue  to  the  mystery. 

"  For  whom  do  you  mistake  me?  " 

"  Shure,  sorr,  an'  Oi  don't  mistake  ye  fer  enyone.  Ye  're 
the  English  missinger  from  Datroit,  no  less." 

I  stared  at  him,  half  inclined  to  laugh,  but  checked  by  the 
look  in  his  eyes,  the  whole  peculiar  situation  slowly  dawning 
upon  my  mind. 

"  Well,  I  am  not  that  person,"  I  returned  slowly  and  dis- 
tinctly. "  Instead,  I  am  a  special  French  messenger,  de- 
spatched by  Monsieur  de  Villiers  with  a  message  for  the 
Indian  chief  Pontiac." 

He  dashed  out  one  stubby  hand  heavily,  his  eyes  blazing 
angrily. 

"  May  the  divil  admire  me  if  ye  are ! "  he  exclaimed, 
barely  able  to  articulate  from  excitement.  "  An'  thin, 
where  's  the  Englishman  ?  " 

"  Back  at  Fort  Chartres ;  he  does  not  leave  there  on  his 
return  trip  for  three  days  yet." 

The  Corporal  sprang  to  his  feet  as  though  meditating  a 
rush  for  the  boat  in  desperate  effort  to  escape  back  down  the 
river.  Then,  as  I  made  no  motion  whatever  toward  inter- 
cepting him,  he  hesitated,  glancing  down  at  me  in  fresh 
perplexity. 

"  Be  all  the  saints  but  Oi  belave  ye  're  a-lyin',"  he  cried, 
his  voice  choking  in  his  throat.  "  Shure  an'  ye  're  the  very 
same  lad  who  danced  wid  the  maid  last  avenin'.  I  saw  ye 
wid  me  own  eyes." 

"  Yes,"  I  admitted,  rather  impressed  by  the  loyalty  of  the 
fellow,  and  determined  now  to  make  the  best  possible  use  of 
him.  "  I  danced  with  Rene,  if  that  is  whom  you  mean,  and 
also  with  Mademoiselle.  Nevertheless  I  am  not  the  English 


8o  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

messenger,  and  you  have  been  deceived  in  some  way.  I 
have  seen  that  person  —  he  is  a  black-faced  Canadian  half- 
breed.  I  am  Captain  de  Coubert,  of  the  French  army." 

These  words,  spoken  calmly  and  deliberately,  were  con- 
vincing. I  saw  the  half-incredulous  smile  die  out  of  his 
eyes,  yet  he  never  stirred,  staring. down  at  me  as  if  fascinated. 

"  Sit  down,  Corporal,"  I  said  in  tone  of  authority.  "  Let 
us  talk  this  misunderstanding  over  together  like  men." 

He  broke  into  a  sudden  stream  of  cursing,  using  strange, 
barbarous  oaths,  his  hands  clinched,  his  face  flaming  from 
quick,  uncontrollable  anger.  I  hushed  him  with  impetuous 
gesture  of  military  command,  rising  to  my  feet,  and  placing 
my  fingers  heavily  upon  his  arm. 

"  Stop !  "  I  ordered  sternly.  "  Not  another  word.  You 
are  yet  a  soldier  of  France,  amenable  to  discipline.  Now 
listen  to  me.  Perchance  you  may  be  enabled  to  serve  better 
those  you  seem  so  anxious  to  aid,'  with  me,  than  you  ever 
could  have  done  alone  in  that  other  boat  with  the  half-breed. 
I  am  also  not  without  interest  in  the  safety  of  these  ladies. 
Are  you  certain  that  Mademoiselle  and  Rene  are  to  travel 
eastward  in  company  with  this  messenger?" 

"  Mademoiselle  Rene  sid  so,  and  the  ither  has  a  will  of 
her  own."  His  voice  was  hoarse,  his  face  surly. 

"  I  think  you  must  be  Jacques  ?  "  I  said. 

"  'T  is  whut  they  call  me  beyant,"  with  a  contemptuous 
toss  of  his  bullet  head  backward.  "  The  parley-voos  allers 
puts  the  '  s  '  on." 

"  Well,  Cassady,  personally  I  am  not  so  very  sorry  you 
made  the  blunder,  now  that  I  understand  your  motives. 
You  will  feel  more  like  cooperating  with  me  when  you  once 
learn  my  plan,  while  I  shall  feel  more  like  trusting  you  with 
it.  No  doubt  it  is  friendship  for  Mademoiselle  Rene  which 
has  brought  you  here  ?  " 

He  nodded,  but  did  not  speak,  contenting  himself  with 
watching  me  narrowly. 


Corporal  Cassadi  81 

"  Very  well ;  now,  as  I  have  said,  I  travel  with  a  message 
from  Monsieur  de  Villiers  to  Pontiac,  who  is  in  camp  near 
Detroit.  I  am  ordered  to  keep  at  least  three  days  in  advance 
of  the  half-breed,  but  I  intend  to  increase  that  distance  by 
every  means  in  my  power.  We  can  gain  much  time  if  his 
boat  be  overloaded  by  the  women  and  their  baggage,  and  to 
that  end  I  purpose  pushing  forward  unceasingly  day  and 
night.  Then  we  will  turn  on  the  trail,  come  back  over  the 
same  route,  even  more  rapidly  than  we  went,  and  meet 
them,  possibly  before  they  can  cover  half  the  distance  to 
Detroit." 

He  followed  my  explanation  carefully,  his  lips  parted,  his 
eyes  full  of  deepening  interest. 

"  Whut  for  do  ye  do  all  thet,  sorr  ?  "  he  questioned  won- 
deringly.  "  Did  ye  think  sum  harm  meant  fer  them 
gyurls  ?  " 

"  I  have  my  doubts,"  I  replied  frankly.  "  In  the  first  place 
it  is  a  most  desperate  venture  for  any  one  having  English 
blood  in  his  veins  to  attempt  just  now  this  lonely  passage 
between  Chartres  and  Detroit.  The  savages  are  in  arms 
along  the  entire  border ;  the  forests  are  full  of  their  raiding 
parties.  Sacre!  I  wouldn't  give  the  snap  of  my  finger  for 
Monsieur  de  Villiers's  passport  if  a  straying  band  of  hostiles 
out  hunting  scalps  should  overhaul  the  party.  Yet  it  is  not 
this  contingency  altogether  which  gives  me  such  deep  anx- 
iety ;  it  is  that  brute  of  a  half-breed  with  whom  they  propose 
to  travel.  Pardieu!  he  has  the  face  of  one  capable  of  any 
crime." 

"  But  if  there  be  thet  danger,  could  we  make  the  turn  in 
toime,  sorr  ? "  he  questioned  anxiously.  "  Would  we  be 
after  gitting  back  far  enough  so  as  ter  help  them  poor 
gyurls  ?  " 

"  By  hard  travel,  yes.  As  I  figure  it,  there  will  be  no 
open  treachery  attempted  until  the  party  is  safely  out  of  the 
Illinois  country,  and  beyond  the  vigilance  of  Monsieur 


82  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

de  Villiers.  Whatever  happens  will  occur  along  the  upper 
waters." 

"  But-  we  might  miss  thim,  sorr  —  this  is  a  dom  big 
country  we  're  a-travellin'  in,  Oi  'm  thinkin'." 

"  Little  likelihood  of  that.  The  half-breed  will  return  by 
boat  as  he  came,  and  there  is  but  one  practical  water-way, 
to  my  knowledge." 

The  perplexed,  and  not  thoroughly  satisfied,  Irishman 
stood  leaning  against  a  small  tree,  his  face  oddly  wrinkled 
in  thought,  his  gaze  on  the  gleaming  river. 

"  Faith,  sorr,  between  you  an'  me,  Oi  don't  loike  the  look 
uv  it  overly  well,  thet  's  a  fact.  But,  dom  if  Oi  kin  see 
clarely  enything  else  to  do  but  jist  to  go  on  wid  ye,  an' 
trust  the  saints  for  luck.  But  by  Saint  Patrick,  Oi  'm  the 
very  bye  that  will  murdher  that  black-faced  spalpeen  uv  a 
durty  half-brade  if  ever  he  lay  his  hands  rough  on  thet  little 
gyurl.  Oi  will  thet,  sorr." 

There  was  an  intense  earnestness  in  his  sturdy  words  that 
touched  me  deeply.  In  spite  of  his  oddity  here  was  a  man 
to  be  depended  upon  in  emergency,  and  I  stretched  out  my 
hand. 

"  We  '11  make  it,  Cassady ;  we  've  got  to,"  I  said  with 
renewed  confidence  in  the  final  outcome.  "  And  now  you 
and  I  will  have  to  take  the  paddles,  and  give  those  Indians 
a  rest." 


CHAPTER  VIII 

ALONG  THE   WATERWAYS 

I  WOULD  I  possessed  sufficient  skill  to  fitly  paint  those 
changing  scenes  along  our  journeying.  With  weary 
muscles  and  drowsy  eyes  we  steadily  toiled  onward,  dream- 
ing of  little  else  than  the  stern  necessity  of  haste,  that  drove 
us  as  with  whip  and  spur.  The  Indians  grew  sullen  and 
morose  at  the  stern  pace  we  set,  so  that  we  early  divided 
our  turn  at  the  paddles  into  four-hour  watches  day  and  night, 
Cassady  taking  the  younger  savage  as  his  companion,  I  the 
elder,  each  in  turn  sitting  at  the  rear  paddle,  watchful  and 
alert.  In  spite  of  many  a  peculiarity  I  found  the  Irishman 
a  good  comrade,  light  of  heart  and  strong  of  hand,  with  a 
loyalty  beyond  question  now  that  he  fully  realized  the  pur- 
pose animating  me.  Nothing  tests  manhood  more  surely 
than  weeks  of  wilderness  travel,  but  this  fellow  met  the  test 
with  a  tireless  cheerfulness  which  steadily  won  me  to  him. 
Each  evening,  as  we  paused  on  some  convenient  shore  to 
light  a  fire  and  hastily  prepare  our  necessary  food  for  the 
morrow,  the  two  of  us  would  check  up  the  leagues  accom- 
plished, according  to  the  best  judgment  of  all,  aided  no  little 
in  such  imperfect  computation  by  the  savages'  knowledge  of 
the  various  landmarks  along  the  route. 

"  Faith,"  Cassady  would  usually  ask,  as  I  completed  my 
checking,  his  blue  eyes  ablaze  with  enthusiasm,  "  and  whut 
do  the  bloody  figures  make  out  uv  it  now,  sorr  ?  Do  we  be 
still  a-gainin'  on  the  half-brade?  For  be  all  the  powers,  me 
arrums  ache  clare  up  to  the  shoulder  wid  paddlin'." 

"  Splendid  progress,  my  man,"   I   would  answer  confi- 


84  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

dently.  "  We  must  be  covering  double  the  leagues  every 
twenty-four  hours  that  he  possibly  can,  even  if  his  boat 
travels  without  stopping;  .while  if  he  really  has  the  two 
women  on  board,  the  party  will  be  compelled  to  tie  up  and 
make  camp.  There  is  no  doubt  in  my  mind  but  we  will 
head  him  off  even  before  they  enter  the  Kankakee." 

But  in  truth  it  was  proving  to  all  of  us  a  most  weary  pull, 
and  a  lonely  one.  However  we  might  smile  into  each  other's 
faces,  we  yet  felt  the  steady  strain  of  it  on  muscle  and  brain. 
Only  as  we  thus  paused  once  each  day  for  the  preparation 
of  food  did  my  white  companion  and  I  exchange  words  of 
any  kind,  while  at  the  paddle  the  Indian  directly  in  my 
front  sat  silent  and  sullen,  bending  to  his  work  with  a  grave 
impassiveness  of  demeanor  which  I  knew  merely  cloaked 
growing  rebellion.  In  the  bow,  curled  up  like  a  round  ball, 
rested  his  red  companion  fast  asleep,  while  the  soldier  lay 
extended  at  full  length  behind  me,  breathing  heavily  from 
sheer  exhaustion.  It  was  only  as  I  ventured  to  remove  my 
suspicious  eyes  from  off  that  swarthy,  glistening  back  be- 
fore me,  or  those  swift,  swirling  waters  against  which  we 
pressed  so  sternly,  that  I  caught  fleeting  glimpses  of  fair, 
ever-changing  scenes,  that  will  linger,  painted  upon  my 
brain,  until  I  die  —  rare  paintings  of  shade  and  sunshine, 
storm-cloud  and  gloomy  night  skies,  gorgeous  with  nature's 
brightest  coloring  or  touched  by  her  most  sombre  brush. 
It  was  an  endless  picture,  yet  always  new,  each  in  turn 
seemingly  without  a  rival  in  perfect  beauty  or  solemnity, 
all  surpassing  the  utmost  dreams  of  human  art  —  a  swift 
curve  of  the  racing  river,  the  sudden  upheaval  of  a  rugged 
rock  above  the  surface,  or  the  gathering  shadow  of  a  cloud 
bringing  constantly  before  me  fresh  vistas,  marvellous  in 
variety.  What  contrasts  there  were  —  the  golden  glare  of 
the  noonday  sun  across  leagues  of  dull  brown  prairie,  those 
odd  shades  of  projecting  bluffs  mirrored  within  the  shadowed 
stream  below,  the  great  hoary  trees  bending  downward  until 


Along  the  Waterways  85 

their  leaves  were  kissed  by  the  waters,  the  night  stars  draw- 
ing lines  of  silver  through  the  murmuring  ripples;  while 
above  it  all  rested  that  brooding  silence  of  the  wilderness 
depths  —  a  loneliness  I  seemed  to  breathe  in  as  though  it 
were  part  of  the  very  air. 

It  was  through  such  scenes  we  swept  rapidly  forward  by 
night  and  by  day,  toiling  constantly  against  the  swirl  of  the 
current ;  during  the  day  hours  hugging  closely  the  southern 
bank  seeking  its  grateful  shadow,  and  at  nightfall  veering 
to  the  north  shore  hunting  protection  against  the  chill  of 
the  wind.  At  first  we  struggled  against  the  dense  yellow 
flood  of  the  great  river,  which  bore  upon  its  wide  bosom  the 
debris  of  the  farther  West.  This  current  grew  somewhat 
clearer  as  we  progressed  northward,  until  finally  our  slender 
prow  turned  into  the  quieter,  more  peaceful  waters  of  the 
Illinois.  Here  the  banks  became  less  precipitous  and  rock- 
strewn,  while  beyond  that  narrow  fringe  of  trees  shadow- 
ing the  river's  edge,  wide  meadows  of  bright  green  grass 
stretched  far  away  to  the  distant  bluffs,  speckled  over  with 
the  red  and  blue  of  innumerable  wild  flowers.  Singing  birds 
were  everywhere,  and  their  brilliant  plumage  flashed  con- 
tinually between  us  and  the  blue  sky,  while  at  night  wolves 
howled  amid  the  black  distances,  and  strange  sounds  of 
unwonted  terror  rolled  from  out  the  shrouded  plains.  It 
was  thus  we  made  it  —  up  broad,  majestic  waters,  along  the 
quiet,  silvery  river,  ever  narrowing;  past  dark,  mysterious 
woods ;  beside  smiling  grass-land,  and  beneath  high,  frown- 
ing bluffs,  until  we  finally  found  safe  passage  within  the 
contracted  lips  of  the  sluggish  Kankakee,  where  the  swamp 
land,  flat  and  soggy,  began  to  stretch  away  on  either  side 
of  us,  covered  with  nodding  cane,  and  alive  with  birds. 

I  remember  it  all  still,  even  as  though  it  had  occurred  but 
yesterday  —  those  decaying  palisades  where  the  Chevalier 
de  la  Salle  had  erected  his  Fort  Crevecoeur  in  the  brave  old 
days  of  the  explorers,  and  wherein  Monsieur  Tonty,  that 


86  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

faithful  soldier  with  the  iron  hand,  had  struggled  so  nobly 
against  treachery  and  want.  I  stepped  upon  shore  at  this 
spot  as  though  it  were  holy  ground,  and  stood  with  tear- 
dimmed  eyes  gazing  about  me  upon  what  little  remained  as 
evidence  of  that  occupancy,  and  dreaming  of  the  past.  Yet 
there  was  scarcely  anything  to  be  seen  save  some  few  charred 
logs,  and  irregular  mounds  of  earth.  Above  the  fort's  site 
a  few  leagues  our  canoe  suddenly  emerged  into  a  wide  lake, 
formed  by  an  expansion  of  the  waters  of  the  river,  which 
was  bordered  upon  the  south  by  wide  plateaus  of  grass  land, 
while  the  northern  horizon  was  shut  closely  in  by  a  high 
range  of  hills.  Here  the  water  beneath  our  keel  was  so 
clear  the  unaided  eye  might  trace  with  ease  the  yellow  reeds 
waving  at  the  bottom,  and  view  the  fishes  swimming  among 
them.  Later,  after  the  stream  we  followed  had  narrowed 
once  again  between  contracting  banks  into  its  regular  chan- 
nel, we  passed  the  remains  of  several  vast  Indian  villages, 
deserted  and  desolate,  yet  with  many  a  windswept  tepee  still 
standing,  appearing  in  the  dim,  haunted  night  like  shrouded 
forms  solemnly  warning  us  to  venture  no  further.  Twice 
we  paused  our  steady  strokes,  imagining  those  fluttering 
rags  a  signal  from  some  watchful  warrior. 

It  was  leagues  above  —  how  many  I  know  not  at  this  late 
day  of  writing,  for  time  dims  the  memory  —  we  came  sud- 
denly upon  that  grim  guardian  rock  which  rises  directly 
from  the  brink  of  the  river  like  some  vast,  unrelieved  sen- 
tinel of  the  wilderness.  We  swept  toward  it  in  the  early 
gray  of  the  dawning,  with  an  undulating  mist  partially  veil- 
ing the  lower  valley,  and  never  have  I  beheld  a  sight  of 
nature  more  awesome  in  lonely  magnitude,  more  gloomily, 
majestically  grand.  Standing  in  complete  isolation  in  the 
midst  of  rich  fertility,  that  stern  gray  pile  rose  sheer  for 
more  than  two  hundred  feet  above  us,  an  immense  castle  of 
unknown  antiquity,  a  vast  wall  of  barren  rock  ever  frowning 
down  upon  the  narrow  fringe  of  water  lapping  its  base,  and 


Along  the  Waterways  87 

those  wide,  desolate  plains  stretching  afar  upon  every  hand. 
I  climbed  it  from  the  land  side,  toiling  painfully  up  while 
the  others  breakfasted  far  below  in  its  gloomy  shadow,  and 
stood  entranced  upon  the  summit,  gazing  forth  upon  such 
a  border  picture  as  I  imagine  few  of  my  race  have  ever 
looked  upon  —  the  rich,  undulating  prairies,  the  softly 
rounded  hills  clad  in  variegated  green,  with  that  little  sil- 
very stream  of  a  river  sweeping  far  away  in  sinuous  beauty, 
a  narrow  ribbon  of  shimmering  water.  I  recalled  hearing 
that  Tonty  had  once  made  a  fortress  upon  this  very  summit, 
and  had  unfurled  here  the  proud  and  conquering  banner  of 
France.  The  memory  was  as  a  trumpet-call.  A  hundred 
years  had  circled  by  since  then,  but  France  yet  struggled 
for  this  same  fair  territory,  battled  against  a  cordon  of 
enemies,  and  I,  her  soldier,  stood  there  with  kindling  eyes. 

From  this  point  the  Illinois  rapidly  became  shallower,  and 
was  navigated  with  greater  difficulty,  the  rushes  creeping 
down  so  far  into  the  quiet  water  that  at  times  we  experi- 
enced much  trouble  in  forcing  our  boat  onward,  while  at 
night  we  were  frequently  led  astray,  as  to  the  proper  course 
of  the  tortuous  channel,  among  those  mystifying  reeds.  Yet 
the  current  was  generally  sluggish,  and  we  made  excellent 
progress,  although  the  sun  burnt  our  faces  brown,  and  the 
air  behind  the  dense  cane  was  often  stifling.  Thus,  at  last, 
our  bow  was  deflected  into  the  more  winding  channel  of  the 
little  Kankakee,  where  we  held  uncertain  progress  amid 
dense  and  forbidding  marshes. 

During  all  this  time,  this  ceaseless  journeying  by  night 
and  day,  only  once  had  we  visible  proof  of  human  presence 
amid  that  vast  solitude  we  traversed.  It  was  one  long 
stretch  of  brooding  desolation  —  river,  hill,  and  plain  alike 
deserted  and  lone,  except  for  wild  beast  and  bird.  So  iso- 
lated were  we  that  the  grim  silence  grew  upon  us,  stifling 
our  words  and  making  each  of  us  morose,  fretful,  and  harsh 
of  speech.  Such  was  the  effect  of  our  dreary  surroundings, 


88  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

coupled  with  lack  of  rest.  We  saw  here  and  there  along 
the  river  bank  the  remains  of  fires  lately  kindled,  and  at  a 
ford,  near  that  lake  already  mentioned,  the  trampled  mud 
bore  many  evidences  of  moccasined  feet,  but  it  was  not 
until  we  had  voyaged  beyond  the  great  rock  that  any  sav- 
ages questioned  our  progress.  Here,  where  a  narrow  stream 
from  the  north  united  with  our  broader  river,  a  great  war 
canoe  suddenly  shot  forth,  and  effectually  barred  our  ad- 
vance, the  occupants  shaking  guns  in  our  faces,  and  with 
wild  babel  of  voices  bidding  us  halt.  I  knew  them  as 
Pottawattomies  by  their  head-dresses,  and  made  short  work 
of  the  stoppage,  contenting  myself  with  an  exhibition  of  the 
amulet,  with  an  announcement  of  my  rank  and  mission. 
Yet  they  made  much  pow-wow  over  it,  one  old  warrior  with 
a  slit  nose  speaking  vehemently,  before  he  who  seemed  the 
chief  among  them  waved  sullen  hand  in  permission  for  us 
to  pass  in  safety.  I  felt,  as  I  looked  back  to  where  their 
long  canoe  rested  a  black  blot  on  the  distant  water,  that 
naught  restrained  them  from  making  us  prisoners  but  a 
wholesome  fear  of  awakening  the  displeasure  of  Pontiac. 
God's  mercy!  what  probably  would  prove  the  fate  of  that 
boat  following  behind  if  ever  such  a  crew  waylaid  it,  and 
dreamed  the  occupants  to  be  English.  The  thought  shook 
me  as  with  an  ague-chill,  yet  I  merely  set  my  teeth  the 
firmer,  and  tugged  stronger  at  the  stout  paddle.  I  would 
hold  to  my  plan;  it  was  the  only  way  in  which  duty  and 
honor  stood  united. 


CHAPTER   IX 

MAROONED 

IT  was  in  such  stress  we  continued  pushing  our  way 
steadily  forward  amid  those  swampy  morasses  of  the 
Kankakee  —  weary  in  body,  dulled  of  brain,  yet  keeping 
hopeful  of  heart,  for  swiftly  indeed  had  we  placed  the  long 
leagues  of  water  behind  us.  Sacre!  but  that  was  a  dead 
scene ;  nor,  apparently,  had  it  ending,  or  any  clear  way  out. 
Huge  trees,  gnarled  into  shapelessness  and  crooked  of  limb, 
hung  like  immense  black  shadows  above  the  passage,  their 
trunks  rising  from  out  the  turbulent  water,  stripped  of  bark 
and  shining  satin-white  in  the  glaring  sunshine.  Here  and 
there  one  had  become  uprooted  by  force  of  the  stream  or 
some  fierce  storm  of  wind,  its  trailing  branches  completely 
blocking  the  narrow,  tortuous  channel,  compelling  portage 
up  to  our  waists  in  blackish  slime.  Thick  bushes,  heavily 
laden  with  odd  red  berries  bitter  to  the  taste,  bordered  the 
edge  of  the  current,  fouling  the  paddles,  and  whipping  our 
faces  with  wire-like  leaves.  Trunks  and  entangled  drift- 
wood found  lodgment  at  each  sharp  turn,  compelling  wide 
detour,  and  rendering  travel  by  night  most  precarious; 
while  all  around  us  stretched  that  waste  of  dead  water, 
brackish  to  the  taste,  and  frequently  scummed  over  with 
sickly  greenish  ooze,  its  dull  monotony  broken  only  by  little 
hummocks  of  soggy  earth.  Above  this  flood  waved  the 
matted  rushes,  brown  beneath  the  sunlight,  a  vast  ocean  of 
undulating  cane,  mysterious  and  puzzling.  It  formed  a 
maddening  labyrinth,  simmering  beneath  the  noonday  sun, 
the  mosquitoes  rising  in  dense  clouds  around  us,  ravenous 


90  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

and  with  stings  of  rank  poison;  while  at  night  the  envel- 
oping mist-cloud  closed  us  in  as  with  great  curtains,  the 
distant  stars  gleaming  red  and  angry  through  its  vapor, 
the  whole  death-haunted  swamp  exhaling  the  noxious  odors 
of  stagnant  water  and  decaying  vegetation,  while  we  panted 
vainly  for  a  breath  of  God's  pure  air.  Saint  Denis!  the 
very  memory  of  it  at  this  late  day  sickens  me !  And  it  was 
there  that  misfortune  gripped  us,  hapless  prisoners  to  a  fate 
more  pitiless  even  than  red  savages. 

First,  it  was  the  rain! 

God's  mercy!  how  it  fell!  In  driving  sheets,  away  from 
which  we  must  twist  our  benumbed  faces;  in  spurts  of 
spray,  as  ceaseless  as  that  which  leaps  from  out  the  Niagara 
gorge;  in  sudden  swift  downpour,  as  if  the  entire  heavens 
above  had  yawned  asunder  to  let  it  drop;  and  in  long, 
steady  drizzle,  maddening  from  its  dreary  continuance.  We 
were  soaked  to  the  skin,  dragging  about  heavily  in  wet, 
clinging  clothing,  our  footgear  scarcely  better  than  brown 
paper.  The  trees  overhead  dripped  moisture  in  showers ; 
the  bushes  slapped  us  with  their  wet,  saturated  leaves ;  the 
current  of  the  stream  we  struggled  blindly  to  follow  in  its 
bewildering  mazes,  became  swollen  and  angry,  tossing  our 
light  canoe  viciously  in  its  fierce  grip,  and  hurling  down 
against  us  masses  of  murderous  debris  from  above.  Those 
little  ridges  of  land,  which  before  had  somewhat  guided  our 
progress,  sank  beneath  the  surface,  the  water  swirling,  across 
them  in  ever-increasing  volume,  until  we  floated  at  last,  wet, 
miserable,  and  desperate,  in  the  midst  of  an  ocean,  having 
above  its  black  waste  merely  the  bent  tops  of  the  taller  reeds 
and  the  gaunt  trees ;  while  over  these  hung  clouds  of  lead, 
apparently  so  close  we  might  sweep  them  with  our  uplifted 
paddles,  and  weeping  always,  until  water  mingled  in  all  that 
space  between  earth  and  sky.  Faith,  but  we  could  taste 
water,  as  though  it  had  soaked  through  and  through  our 
saturated  bodies,  as  if  we  had  breathed  it  in  instead  of  air. 


Marooned  91 

It  was  a  pathetic  sight  we  made  after  two  days  of  such 
drear  struggle.  I  can  close  my  eyes  now  and  view  that 
picture  as  it  was  then  painted  upon  my  brain  —  the  narrow 
canoe  of  bark,  soaked  through  and  through,  a  slush- 
ing puddle  in  the  bottom  of  it,  drenching  us  to  the  knees 
with  every  swirl  of  the  stream ;  our  cooking  utensils,  food, 
and  extra  clothing,  all  awash  .beneath  the  low  seats;  our 
guns  soaked  and  useless,  the  dampness  condensing  into 
great  drops  along  the  brown  barrels.  The  naked  bodies  of 
the  Indians  gleamed  with  wet,  the  water  pouring  in  perfect 
streams  down  the  long  black  hair  which  hung  in  straggling 
wisps  over  their  shoulders,  while  Cassadi's  uniform  had 
blended  into  an  indescribable  color,  shapeless  and  sodden, 
his  cocked  hat  crushed  into  the  merest  pulp.  I  could  scarcely 
forbear  laughing  as  I  looked  at  him,  his  blue  eyes,  still 
filled  with  unconquerable  roguery,  peering  forth  in  such  odd 
pretence  at  mirth  from  a  face  solemn  enough  for  the  wool- 
sack, streaked  with  rain-drops,  and  fairly  a-glisten  with  the 
moisture  that  never  left  it.  Beyond  doubt  my  own  appear- 
ance was  little  better,  for  with  every  movement  the  wet  cloth 
clung  to  me,  and  I  was  obliged  constantly  to  sweep  my  eyes 
clear  of  the  blinding  spray. 

It  was  my  turn  to  rest,  but  I  was  no  more  than  nodding, 
my  back  pressed  hard  against  the  sternpost,  when  the  slight 
boat  jarred  to  a  sudden  violent  movement,  at  once  awaken- 
ing me.  I  saw  the  Indian  paddler  fling  backward  across 
his  shoulder  the  heavy  blade  of  his  oar,  aiming  full  at  the 
Irishman's  head,  but  the  latter  pressed  in  so  quickly,  with 
a  duck  downward,  as  to  escape  all  but  a  smart  rap  of  it. 
The  next  instant  he  had  struck  the  savage  with  his  bare 
fist,  and  the  two,  clutching  madly  at  each  other,  went  down 
together,  splashing  into  the  puddle.  The  second  Indian  and 
myself  were  upon  our  knees  in  an  instant,  for  neither  durst 
attempt  standing  erect  in  that  rocking  canoe,  now  swirling 
helplessly  in  the  mad  grasp  of  the  current.  A  single  glance 


92  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

into  his  dark  face  revealed  his  bewilderment,  telling  me  this 
was  no  planned  mutiny  on  the  part  of  both  savages.  I  seized 
a  discarded  paddle,  crying  to  him  for  assistance,  and  in 
another  moment  we  had  our  bow  pointing  once  again  up 
stream.  Then  I  kicked  vigorously  at  those  struggling  fig- 
ures between  us. 

"  Sacre !  fight  it  out  on  l^gd,  you  fellows !  "  I  commanded 
sternly,  "  and  not  endanger  an  of  our  lives  because  of  your 
hot  heads.  Saint  Denis !  one  might  suppose  this  downpour 
would  prove  a  sufficient  dampener  even  for  your  fighting 
blood.  Let  go,  you  Irish  terrier ;  leave  loose  of  that  Indian, 
or  you  '11  drown  him." 

I  grasped  the  pugnacious  soldier  by  the  soaked  collar  of 
his  coat,  and  dragged  him  away,  shaking  him  as  I  would 
a  fighting  dog,  marking  as  I  did  so  the  snap  of  battle  in 
his  blue  eyes,  and  how  the  short  red  hairs  of  his  moustache 
bristled. 

"  Now,  sirrah,"  I  exclaimed,  as  the  Indian  lifted  himself 
painfully,  and  lay  with  head  on  the  seat,  feeling  his  throat 
with  one  hand,  "  kindly  explain,  will  you,  what  all  this 
means.  Is  n't  there  trouble  enough  already  in  our  situation 
without  stirring  up  a  quarrel  in  the  boat  ?  " 

The  Irishman  curled  his  lips  into  an  ugly  scowl,  and 
squirmed  about,  seeking  to  gain  better  view  of  his  late 
antagonist. 

"  It 's  little  Oi  ever  thought  ye  'd  be  one  to  take  part  agin 
a  dacent  white  mon,  an'  side  wid  a  rid  haythen,"  he  mut- 
tered, as  though  completely  dazed  by  the  thought.  "  Saints 
aloive,  sorr,  an'  did  ye  say  the  nager  stroike  at  me  wid  the 
flat  uv  his  paddle  ?  " 

"  Most  assuredly  I  did,  but  that  is  hardly  sufficient  excuse 
for  murdering  him;  besides,  we  yet  need  his  help  in  the 
canoe.  What  started  all  this  trouble,  Corporal  ?  " 

"  An'  bedad  uv  Oi  clarly  know,  sorr,"  he  acknowledged 
with  frankness,  tenderly  nursing  the  fast-growing  bump  on 


Marooned  93 

his  head.  "-I  think  thet  ould  rid  chap  must  hev  got  a  touch 
uv  the  ould  Nick  in  him  be  the  way  he  wint  ot  me  jist  thin. 
Be  the  saints,  an'  maybe  Oi  Ve  dhrowned  thet  out  uv  the 
cratur  at  least.  Shure,  an'  wus  this  yer  coat,  sorr  ?  " 

He  pointed  to  a  shapeless  garment,  wet  and  sodden.  I 
remembered  placing  it  upon  the  boat's  bottom  to  rest  my 
knees  while  I  knelt  in  paddling,  and  must  have  forgotten 
it  when  my  turn  came  to  lie  down  again. 

"  Certainly,  my  man ;   what  about  it  ?  " 

"  Thet  rid  spalpeen  wus  a-goin'  through  the  pockets 
uv  it,  sorr.  He  wus  so  dom  tricky  an'  sly  et  the  job,  kapin' 
his  paddle  a-goin'  all  the  toime  be  pressin'  his  shoulder  agin 
the  upper  end,  thet  fer  a  long  while  Oi  could  n't  make  out 
jist  whut  the  varmint  wus  up  to.  An'  whin  I  caught  on, 
an'  slapped  the  rid  arrum  uv  him  fer  fair  warnin',  he 
wheeled  loike  a  buckin'  horse,  sorr,  an'  whaled  me  one  over 
the  knob  wid  the  stick.  Thet  wus  whut  started  the  foight, 
sorr." 

I  glanced  curiously  at  the  silent  savage,  his  swarthy  face 
perfectly  expressionless,  but  his  narrow  eyes  having  an  evil 
glint  in  them  as  he  watched  us  closely. 

"  You,  Cash-le-ta,"  I  said,  using  his  tribal  name  instead 
of  the  Christianized  one  given  him  at  the  mission.  "  What 
was  it  you  were  seeking  in  the  pockets  of  my  jacket  ?  " 

He  shifted  his  steady  gaze  from  the  face  of  the  Irishman 
to  my  own. 

"  Cash-le-ta  no  hunt  anything,  master,"  he  replied  gravely. 
"  What  Indian  want  in  pockets  of  white  man  ?  Little  man 
with  red  hair  too  dam  quick.  Cash-le-ta  only  turn  coat  over 
to  find  dry  spot  to  kneel  on." 

"  Ye  're  a  dom,  durty  liar !  "  yelled  Cassady  stoutly,  eye- 
ing him  much  as  an  aroused  bulldog  does  an  antagonist, 
his  jaw  squarely  set,  his  white  teeth  showing  savagely. 
"  Ye  wus  et  it  fer  full  tin  minutes  afore  Oi  could  aven 
make  out  whut  the  divil  ye  wus  thryin'  to  do.  Be  the 


94  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

powers,  Oi  think  ye  're  no  less  then  a  durty  thafe,  an'  Oi  'd 
loike  to  pull  the  long,  black  hair  uv  ye." 

I  looked  from  one  to  the  other  of  them,  scarcely  clear  in 
my  own  mind  as  to  which  might  be  in  the  right.  I  could 
conceive  of  no  possible  object  the  Indian  could  have  for 
searching  my  clothes,  unless  it  would  be  for  money,  of 
which  I  had  precious  little,  or  possibly  a  stray  bit  of  to- 
bacco. Anyway  he  had  secured  nothing  by  his  efforts,  and 
in  our  present  situation  it  was  desirable  to  avoid  even  the 
slightest  quarrel. 

"  Very  well,"  I  said,  determined  to  close  the  incident  then 
and  there.  "  Let  us  call  it  simply  a  misunderstanding  on 
both  sides.  You  've  had  your  fight  out,  and  now  had  better 
become  friends  once  more,  at  least  until  we  come  safely  out 
from  this  mess.  Come,  Corporal,  never  mind  a  little  swelling 
on  the  head  like  that  —  surely  it  can  be  nothing  new  for  an 
Irishman  —  shake  hands  with  Cash-le-ta,  and  let  bygones 
be  bygones." 

He  slowly  got  up  upon  his  knees,  steadying  himself  to 
the  uncertain  movements  of  the  canoe,  his  red  face  streaming 
with  moisture. 

"  Oi  '11  shake  honds  wid  no  durty  rid  haythen  thafe," 
he  proclaimed  hoarsely.  "  Bedad,  now  thet  Oi  think  uv  it, 
't  is  n't  the  f urst  toime  thet  Oi  've  sane  thet  same  red  divil 
a-prowlin'  round  whin  he  thought  the  back  uv  us  wus 
turned.  Oi  don't  know  jist  whut  his  little  game  is,  sorr, 
but  Oi  '11  ate  me  hat  uv  he  ain't  up  to  some  mane  trick, 
yer  honor." 

There  was  no  reasoning  with  the  fellow  in  his  present 
humor,  and  I  turned  my  eyes  out  into  that  dim,  watery 
mist  surrounding  us,  wiping  the  rain-drops  from  off  my 
lashes  that  I  might  see  more  clearly. 

"  By  the  mercies  of  God ! "  I  exclaimed  eagerly,  "  yon- 
der is  a  rock  lifting  clear  above  the  flood,  and  to  my  eyes 
there  is  a  look  of  solid  earth  behind  it." 


Marooned  95 

We  made  toward  this  oasis  with  flashing  blades,  all 
equally  eager  to  escape  from  out  the  narrow  confines  of  the 
canoe  onto  any  ground,  however  sodden.  It  proved  to  be 
no  more  than  an  extremely  small  island,  rock-strewn,  yet 
with  three  or  four  large  trees  growing  upon  it,  the  earth 
standing  well  out  above  the  water  level,  but  thoroughly 
soaked  by  days  of  downpour,  so  that  mist  appeared  to  steam 
up  from  the  very  ground,  and  ooze  from  out  the  dripping 
rocks.  However,  it  afforded  us  opportunity  to  stretch  our 
limbs  once  more,  overhaul  our  damaged  provisions,  even  to 
sleep  in  greater  comfort  than  in  the  unsteady,  water-logged 
boat. 

We  securely  fastened  the  latter  to  a  huge  stump  standing 
beside  the  water's  edge,  and  brought  much  of  its  contents 
ashore,  spreading  the  various  articles  beneath  the  partial 
protection  of  an  overhanging  rock,  in  brave  hope  of  thus 
somewhat  drying  them,  as  the  rain  had  decreased  into  a 
slight  drizzle.  I  watched  the  still  irate  Irishman  and  his 
Indian  comrade  carefully  while  we  were  engaged  upon  this 
task,  fearful  lest  a  feud  had  been  started  which  would 
breed  serious  trouble  to  our  little  party,  but  observed  nothing 
in  their  actions  to  greatly  alarm  me.  The  two  worked  well 
enough  together,  although  there  was  a  sullenness  in  the  de- 
meanor of  the  savage  I  could  scarcely  fail  to  notice,  while 
Cassady's  blue  eyes  watched  his  every  motion  keenly,  and  I 
observed  he  never  once  ventured  to  turn  his  back  upon  his 
late  antagonist. 

We  ate  what  was  possible  of  our  provisions  without  a 
fire,  as  the  scattered  driftwood  on  the  island  was  thoroughly 
water-soaked,  and  then  lay  down  for  the  night,  close  in 
against  the  face  of  the  larger  rock,  so  completely  exhausted 
as  to  be  totally  indifferent  regarding  the  wet  earth  beneath, 
or  the  weeping  skies  above.  Cassady  volunteered  to  remain 
on  guard  (although  I  saw  little  enough  necessity  for  such 
a  precaution),  and  agreed  to  call  me  to  his  relief  at  the 


96  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

expiration  of  two  hours.  The  last  I  remember,  the  gray 
twilight  was  closing  rapidly  down  across  the  yellow  waters ; 
the  Indians  were  rolled  up  in  two  dark  balls  near  where 
the  boat  had  been  securely  moored,  while  the  Irishman  sat 
leaning  back  against  a  tree,  half-way  between  us,  his  face 
turned  down  the  river,  a  black  pipe  alight  between  his  lips. 
The  next  instant  I  was  plunged  into  a  slumber  so  profound 
as  to  be  akin  to  death. 

I  had  a  dream;  what  it  may  have  been  in  its  entirety 
I  hardly  know,  but  out  from  its  strangeness  and  mystery 
a  great  snake  appeared  to  glide  along  my  body,  and  writhe 
its  slimy  folds  about  my  throat.  I  flung  my  hands  up, 
seeking  to  grasp  and  throttle  it,  partially  awakening  to  dis- 
cover my  ringers  gripping  desperately  at  the  bare  root  of 
a  tree,  made  slippery  by  the  rain.  I  had  dozed  off  once  again 
almost  into  unconsciousness,  when  I  distinctly  heard  a  blow, 
a  sharp  cry  of  pain,  then  an  oath,  and  the  hurried  sound  of 
feet  running  across  the  sodden  ground.  I  sprang  erect, 
thoroughly  awakened,  yet  still  dazed  and  uncertain.  The 
night  was  intensely  dark,  although  the  clouds  overhead 
had  broken,  and  a  star  or  two  struggled  dimly  through 
their  rifts.  For  an  instant  I  could  discern  nothing,  but  noises 
reached  me  from  near  where  the  canoe  had  been  fastened, 
and  I  started  in  that  direction,  moving  as  rapidly  as  I  dared 
across  the  uncertain  ground.  Then  a  dark  figure  crossed 
just  in  front  of  me,  leaping  noiselessly  through  the  black 
shadows,  and  disappeared  over  the  rocks  bordering  the  shore. 
I  sprang  forward,  shouting  a  stern  command  to  stop,  clutch- 
ing at  the  misty  form  as  it  swept  past,  but  my  fingers 
missed,  and  I  fell  heavily  forward  across-  a  root  in  my  path. 
As  I  staggered  once  more  to  my  knees  the  sound  of  paddling 
reached  me  from  the  river  below. 

"  Halt ! "  I  shouted  desperately,  my  mind  in  complete 
chaos  as  to  what  had  really  occurred.  "  You  out  there  in  the 
boat ;  come  back  ashore,  or  I  fire !  " 


Marooned  97 

There  was  a  derisive  yell  from  out  the  intense  darkness ; 
then  a  voice  cried  mockingly  in  broken  French : 

"  Go  first  get  gun,  master  —  red-head  choke  Indian  boy 
no  more." 

For  a  moment  my  strained  ears  could  detect  the  soft  dip 
of  paddling  above  the  gentle  murmur  of  the  water  along  the 
rock  edge.  Then  even  this  vague,  uncertain  sound  died 
away  in  the  darkness,  nothing  breaking  that  grim  surround- 
ing silence  save  the  splashing  of  rain  drops  against  the  rocks, 
and  the  swishing  of  branches  overhead.  The  canoe  was 
gone,  and  whether  he  would  be  found  living  or  dead,  the 
Irishman  and  I  remained  alone  and  deserted  on  that  island. 


CHAPTER   X 

WE  BEGIN   A  STRUGGLE   WITH   DEATH 

FOR  one  awful  moment  of  depression  I  sank  back  against 
that  black,  wet  rock,  my  head  buried  in  my  hands, 
utterly  disheartened.  Was  this  fiasco  to  prove  the  end  of 
all  our  weary  struggles  to  be  of  service  to  those  behind 
who  were  unaware  of  our  failure?  I  no  longer  had  doubt 
regarding  what  had  occurred,  and  the  blood  seemed  to 
stagnate  within  my  veins  as  I  realized  fully  our  position. 
It  was  the  vengeance  of  fiends  —  a  trick  the  very  concep- 
tion of  which  could  only  originate  within  the  scheming 
brain  of  a  vindictive  savage.  Its  base  cruelty,  its  supreme 
heartlessness,  turned  that  first  benumbing  shock  of  speech- 
less terror  into  a  frenzy,  and  I  sprang  to  my  feet,  shouting 
impotent  curses  into  the  surrounding  darkness,  challenging 
those  skulking  red  cravens  to  come  back  and  face  me. 
But  my  voice  died  away  into  the  black  silence  —  a  silence 
so  profound  and  solemn  it  seemed  a  rebuke  to  my  sense- 
less rage. 

It  was  then  the  first  definite  thought  of  the  Irishman 
occurred  to  me.  Wounded  or  dead  he  must  be  found  at 
once ;  aided,  if  any  aid  be  yet  possible.  This  necessity  for 
immediate  action  served  to  steady  my  nerves,  yet  I  moved 
back  through  the  darkness  not  unlike  a  drunken  man, 
stumbling  blindly  across  the  rocks,  my  heart  throbbing  as 
might  that  of  a  frightened  girl.  I  found  him  lying  at  the 
foot  of  the  very  tree  where  I  had  last  seen  him,  extended 
flat  upon  his  face,  his  hands  outstretched  in  the  mud.  That 
he  was  already  stone  dead  I  felt  not  the  slightest  doubt; 


We  Begin  a  Struggle  with  Death          99 

his  very  posture  was  that  of  a  corpse.  Yet  I  rolled  his  limp 
body  over,  and  bent  down,  resting  my  ear  against  his  sodden 
shirt  in  hopeless  search  after  a  possible  heart-beat.  For 
an  instant  I  failed  to  catch  so  much  as  the  slightest  throb; 
then  it  came,  faint  yet  plainly  perceptible.  Wild  with  eager- 
ness, I  rent  open  the  heavy  cloth,  searching  with  my  fingers 
in  the  darkness  for  the  nature  of  his  wound.  It  was  soon 
found  —  a  knife-thrust,  and  an  ugly  one,  although  appar- 
ently it  had  not  deeply  penetrated  any  vital  part.  I  hastily 
tore  a  strip  from  my  doublet  with  which  to  bind  the 
jagged  opening  and  stanch  the  still  slowly  flowing  blood, 
becoming  completely  myself  again  as  I  thus  labored 
breathlessly. 

It  was  dawn  before  he  came  forth  from  unconsciousness, 
opening  his  heavy  eyes  with  a  moan  of  pain,  and  gazing 
about  him  dazed  and  bewildered.  The  dull  gray  light  rested 
in  ghastly  radiance  across  rock  and  river,  and  as  I  lifted 
his  head  somewhat  higher  on  the  support  of  my  arm,  his 
face  was  not  unlike  that  of  a  dead  man.  The  very  look  of 
it  gave  me  a  thrill  of  despair. 

"  Do  you  suffer  greatly,  Corporal  ?  "  I  questioned,  eager 
enough  to  win  some  consoling  word  from  his  white  lips. 

"  Me  soide  sames  to  hurt  me  whin  Oi  brathe,  sorr,"  he 
answered,  speaking  slowly,  yet  with  a  strength  of  voice 
which  greatly  encouraged  me.  "  It 's  where  thet  snakin' 
rid  haythen  hit  me  wid  the  knoife,  no  doubt,  but  't  is  the 
bump  here  on  the  knob  thet  makes  me  groggy.  Shure  an' 
Oi  must  hev'  kim  down  on  a  bit  uv  rock  whin  Oi  fell." 

He  lifted  his  hand  and  carefully  rubbed  it  over  the 
stiffly  cropped  hair. 

"  The  dom  skin  does  n't  seem  to  be  broken,  sorr,  but 
there  's  a  lump  there  as  sore  as  a  boil."  His  face  darkened, 
and  his  teeth  set  ominously.  "  Bad  cess  to  the  unclane, 
durty  divils ! "  he  cried,  lifting  himself  laboriously  upon 
one  elbow,  and  staring  around.  "  Jist  wait  till  Oi  git  me 


ioo  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

fingers  on  thim,  sorr ;  Oi  '11  pay  thim  out  f er  the  loikes  uv 
this  durty  job,  Oi  will  thet.  Where  be  they  now?" 

"  Gone  back  down  the  river,"  I  answered,  memory  of  our 
dismal  situation  recurring  to  me  with  fresh  distinctness. 
"  They  were  already  afloat  in  the  canoe  before  I  eould  reach 
the  shore." 

"  Do  ye  mane  thet  them  haythen  did  stale  our  boat,  sorr?  " 

"  Ay,  and  I  presume  everything  we  had  stored  within  it. 
The  first  sound  reaching  me  was  your  cry  when  struck." 

He  sat  up,  carefully  working  himself  into  that  position, 
a  dash  of  color  creeping  slowly  back  into  his  pallid  face. 

"  Mother  uv  God ! "  he  exclaimed,  his  eyes  full  of  horror. 
"  Do  ye  raly  mane  ter  tell  me,  sorr,  thet  them  rid  divils  hev' 
left  us  two  here  alone,  aither  to  dhrown  or  starve?  Whut 
will  becum  uv  them  poor  gyurls  ?  " 

"  Heaven  alone  knows,  if  they  are  with  the  half-breed," 
I  replied  soberly,  not  a  little  moved  by  his  loyalty  of  heart 
at  such  a  time.  "  But  if  your  strength  comes  back,  Cassady, 
we  '11  make  a  fight  for  it  yet.  Sacre!  we  are  neither  of  us 
dead,  and  I  have  been  in  as  ill  stress  before.  How  did  this 
thing  happen?" 

"  Bedad,  uv  Oi  quite  know,  sorr.  Shure  Oi  wus  thet  bad 
wore  out  wid  the  dom  rain  a-drippin'  constant  on  me,  and 
the  everlastin'  paddlin',  thet  Oi  could  n't  kape  me  eyes  open, 
thry  as  hard  as  Oi  could,  an'  so  Oi  dhrapped  off  asleep  wid 
me  back  forninst  the  tree  yonder.  Somehow  Oi  moind 
hearin'  a  bit  uv  a  noise  in  me  drames  over  beyant  where  ye 
wus  lyin',  but  Oi  thought  it  cud  be  no  more  nor  ye  thrashin' 
about  in  the  wet,  an'  Oi  wus  thet  drowsy  Oi  cared  moighty 
little  annyhow,  whut  it  moight  be,  so  Oi  cud  kape  slapin'. 
Thin  Oi  samed  to  see  a  slim  black  figure  a-stalin'  along  loike 
a  snake,  about  where  thet  big  rock  is,  but  blame  me,  sorr, 
uv  Oi  clarely  knew  whither  Oi  wus  a-dramin'  it  all,  er  whut, 
an'  Oi  wus  thet  near  gone  in  me  head  wid  slapin'  thet  it 
did  me  no  gud.  The  rale  thing  thet  woke  me  up  wus  a 


We  Begin  a  Struggle  with  Death        101 

voice,  spakin'  jist  out  yonder,  forninst  the  big  tree  — '  Oi  've 
got  it,'  it  sed  jist  as  plain  as  ever  ye  heard  any  wurds  in  yer 
loife,  sorr, '  Now  let 's  settle  thet  red-head.'  Shure  Oi  scram- 
bled to  me  fate  moighty  sudden,  dazed  loike  an'  scarce 
knowin'  whither  them  wus  min  or  divils  cum  for  me  sowl. 
But  before  Oi  wus  fairly  up,  sumone  plunked  me  wid 
the  knoife,  an'  Oi  wint  down  on  me  head  jist  where  ye 
found  me.  An'  thet 's  ivery  bit  Oi  know,  sorr,  but  shure 
Oi  am  now  it  wus  thet  rid  divil  Cash-le-ta  whut  spake  them 
wurds." 

"That  he  had  got  it?" 

"  Thet  wus  it  —  anyhow  thet  wus  the  meanin'  uv  it.  It 
cum  to  me  thet  maybe  they  'd  killed  ye,  sorr." 

I  shook  my  head,  unable  to  comprehend  in  any  way  the 
meaning  of  the  Indian,  and  in  truth  thinking  but  little  of 
it.  The  early  gray  of  dawn  had  changed  while  we  talked 
into  a  garish  light,  and  we  could  now  perceive  the  reddish 
glare  of  the  slowly  rising  sun  in  the  far  east,  but  the  cloud- 
bank  held  above  us  like  a  pall  of  smoke.  It  was  a  melan- 
choly picture  whichever  way  we  looked  —  the  yellow,  muddy 
waters,  the  brown  reeds,  bowing  mysteriously  to  the  slight 
breeze,  the  wet  rocks,  the  dripping  trees,  the  drenched  and 
sodden  ground  under  foot.  No  sound,  no  life  anywhere, 
yet  for  the  moment  the  tiresome  rain  had  ceased. 

"  Well,"  I  said  at  last,  striving  to  cast  off  the  deep  feeling 
of  depression  this  desolate  scene  laid  upon  me.  "  It  makes 
small  odds  to  us  now  what  the  fellow  meant,  and  't  is  like 
enough  you  misunderstood  him.  We  have  got  to  make  the 
best  of  it,  and  pull  ourselves  out  from  this  hell-hole  if  we 
possibly  can.  Lean  back  against  the  tree-trunk  here,  my 
man,  while  I  take  a  look  around,  and  discover  what  we  have 
left  to  work  with.  I  '11  rig  up  some  sort  of  protection  for 
you  as  early  as  possible;  meanwhile  rest  easy,  and  don't  do 
anything  that  might  start  your  wound  to  bleeding  afresh. 
It  seems  to  be  a  clean  cut,  and  should  heal  quickly." 


102  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

The  inspection  did  not  occupy  me  long  —  I  discovered  a 
rifle,  one  I  had  fortunately  slept  upon  and  thus  preserved ;  a 
powder-horn  half  filled,  but  the  powder  too  damp  for  imme- 
diate service;  a  single  light  blanket,  together  with  a  half- 
bag  of  sodden  cornmeal.  Everything  else  belonging  to  us 
had  disappeared  with  the  canoe.  The  sight  of  these  few 
almost  worthless  articles  so  enraged  me  for  the  moment  that 
I  stamped  along  the  shore  line  like  a  man  crazed,  cursing 
aloud  those  incarnate  fiends  who  had  thus  cruelly  deserted 
us  to  a  lingering  death.  The  exercise  undoubtedly  did  me 
good,  driving  from  my  body  the  damp  chill  of  the  night, 
and  I  returned  to  where  the  Corporal  lay,  with  clearer  brain 
and  a  bit  ashamed  of  my  childish  outbreak.  He  looked  up 
at  me,  a  sudden  gleam  of  old-time  merriment  showing  in 
his  blue  eyes. 

"  Faith,  sorr,  an'  ye  sed  all  thet  enyone  wud  nade  to  hav' 
sed  on  the  subject,  an'  sed  it  most  nately  to  me  thinkin'."  He 
grinned,  good  humoredly.  "  Thim  wurds  wus  a  moighty 
big  ralafe  to  me,  for  Oi  'm  scarcely  sthrong  enough  jist  yit 
for  sich  violent  exercise.  But,  sorr,  Oi  wud  be  enjyin'  thim 
much  more  uv  ye  wud  repate  them  in  English,  for  sumhow 
I  don't  git  the  full  gud  uv  thim  in  Frinch." 

I  laughed,  feeling  the  contagion  of  his  good-nature,  and 
taking  fresh  courage  from  it. 

"  It  is  a  weak  mind,  Cassady,  which  gives  way  to  such 
language  at  any  time,"  I  admitted  soberly.  "  But  if  ever 
men  were  tempted,  we  are.  Saint  Denis!  the  very  scene 
about  is  alone  sufficient  to  transform  us  both  into  gibbering 
idiots.  Saw  you  ever  before  such  dull,  dead  tints,  such 
melancholy  coloring?  All  nature  seems  in  sombre  mourn- 
ing, while  yonder  water  is  as  haunted  with  gloomy  shadows 
as  the  Styx." 

"  The  Styx !  "  he  interrupted.  "  Faith,  an'  thet  must  be 
the  same  black  strame  thet  Father  Doyle  wus  iver  so  fond 
uv  tellin'  about,  where  the  ould  chap  wid  the  long  gray  beard 


We  Begin  a  Struggle  with  Death        103 

rows  over  the  sowls  uv  the  dade  to  Purgatory,  er  elsewhere. 
Shure  Oi  've  sane  them  pictures  uv  it,  but  Oi  've  got  a  foine 
bit  uv  meself  aloive  yet,  sorr,  be  the  evidence  uv  me  stomick. 
Did  them  murtherous  haythen  lave  us  annything  fit  fer 
atein'?" 

His  unconquerable  Irish  good-nature  was  proof  against 
all  evil,  and  with  a  stronger  heart  I  immediately  set  to  work 
to  do  the  best  possible  for  his  relief.  Aided  by  those  little 
gleams  of  sunshine  which  broke  occasionally  through  the 
cloud-rifts,  I  succeeded  in  drying  sufficient  powder  to  assist 
me  in  igniting  some  dead  leaves,  and  finally,  by  most  care- 
ful nursing,  secured  a  cheerful,  roaring  fire  against  the  face 
of  the  great  rock.  The  grateful  warmth  of  the  flames 
heartened  us  both,  and  when  I  had  stirred  the  cornmeal 
into  a  fairly  palatable  cake,  baked  brown  in  the  glowing 
embers,  we  sat  and  toasted  our  wet  limbs,  the  steam  rising 
in  clouds  from  our  drenched  clothing,  while  we  discussed 
our  circumstances  with  renewed  hopefulness. 

We  were  seven  days  prisoners  upon  that  dismal  spot  be- 
fore Cassady  was  in  any  way  fit  to  attempt  travel.  I  will 
not  dwell  upon  that  heartsick  time.  Such  long,  lonely, 
miserable  days  they  were,  while  hour  after  hour  I  paced 
the  rocks,  alternating  between  hope  and  despair,  my  thought 
ever  drifting  back  toward  Mademoiselle,  and  the  terrible 
possibility  of  serious  evil  befalling  her.  Three  of  those  days 
it  rained;  for  four  days  the  sun  partially  conquered  the 
mist-cloud  and  showered  its  welcome  gold  upon  us,  but  I 
could  mark  no  recession  of  those  waters  that  held  us  in  cap- 
tivity. I  caught  three  fishes  in  that  time,  and  shot  one  bird 
—  some  species  of  duck  it  undoubtedly  was,  but  strange  to 
me  in  its  plumage  —  and  these,  with  the  cornmeal  most 
sparingly  used,  kept  us  in  fair  strength.  Day  after  day  we 
discussed  plans  for  escape.  The  Irishman  advocated  the 
procuring  of  a  tree-trunk,  and  thus  floating  down  stream 
with  its  assistance;  while  I,  feeling  how  utterly  hopeless 


104  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

we  should  be  under  such  circumstances,  was  favorable  to 
plunging  boldly  into  the  swamp,  and  making  our  passage 
northward  along  whatsoever  ridges  of  higher  land  we  might 
discover.  Somewhere  down  the  great  river  I  had  caught  a 
glimpse  of  La  Hontan's  map  of  these  wild  regions,  and  the 
memory  held  me  firmly  that  there  would  be  dry  land  in  that 
direction,  and  not  far  away.  As  the  Corporal  became 
stronger  his  courage  to  attempt  so  perilous  an  adventure 
gradually  returned,  and  finally  the  two  of  us  agreed  upon 
this  route,  influenced  largely  by  the  thought  of  those  girls  in 
the  boat  of  the  half-breed.  Desperate  as  it  might  prove,  it 
yet  promised  far  quicker  results,  with  greater  liberty  of 
action. 

We  started  upon  our  journey  at  daybreak  the  eighth  morn- 
ing. I  bore  the  rifle  slung  across  my  back,  and  the  blanket ; 
Cassady  had  what  remained  of  our  hoarded  cornmeal.  Both 
carried  long  poles  with  which  to  steady  our  uncertain  steps 
in  the  deeper  water.  I  remember  clearly  the  dull,  sombre 
hues  of  that  gray  dawning,  and  of  how  we  appeared  in  the 
dim  spectral  light,  our  faces  having  plainly  imprinted  upon 
them  the  marks  of  exposure  and  suffering,  our  clothing 
tattered  and  mud-stained,  my  head  bare,  his  bound  about 
with  a  ragged  handkerchief.  Instinctively,  as  if  in  possible 
good-bye,  we  gravely  clasped  hands,  and  then  leading,  for 
I  was  both  taller  and  stronger,  I  stepped  boldly  down  into 
the  tumbling  yellow  flood,  he  following  silently  in  my  foot- 
steps. I  had  chosen  for  our  departure  a  point  where  a 
narrow  ridge  of  earth,  wholly  submerged  yet  plainly  per- 
ceptible beneath  the  surface,  appeared  to  lead  almost  directly 
northward.  The  preponderance  of  trees  showing  above  the 
water  in  that  direction  also  encouraged  me  in  my  decision, 
for  I  felt  convinced  that  thus  hampered,  the  sweep  of  the 
current  must  prove  less  severe. 

I  think  we  proceeded  thus  fully  a  league  without  experi- 
encing serious  difficulty,  but  with  the  ridge  we  traversed 


We  Begin  a  Struggle  with  Death        105 

slowly  sinking  deeper  and  deeper  beneath  the  surface,  until 
the  water  finally  arose  to  my  waist,  with  so  strong  a  sweep 
downward  that  I  was  compelled  to  lean  heavily  on  my  pole 
to  retain  balance.  Then  suddenly  my  pole  sank  into  an 
abyss,  and  I  hesitated,  swaying  helplessly  upon  the  very 
edge,  and  peering  forward  through  those  rain-drops  again 
beginning  to  fall  heavily,  in  anxious  quest  after  some  sub- 
merged standing-ground  beyond.  There  was  a  much  heavier 
current  here;  evidently  we  fronted  the  channel  of  some 
defined  stream  now  overflowing  its  banks,  and  if  so  there 
would  of  necessity  be  an  opposite  shore,  the  difficulty  being 
to  decide  how  far  away  it  might  lie.  I  turned  my  head  to 
glance  back  at  Cassady.  He  stood  breast  high  in  the  flood, 
bracing  himself  with  his  long  pole,  his  blue  eyes  searching 
the  water,  upon  his  round  face  a  look  of  odd  perplexity. 

"  If  ye  cud  hit  thet  tuft  uv  tall  grass  out  beyant,  it  wud 
loikly  have  a  bit  uv  ground  benaith  it,  Oi  'm  thinkin',"  he 
said  soberly,  pointing  a  few  yards  to  my  left.  "  Shure,  't  is 
the  divil's  own  choice,  sorr,  but  Oi  'd  jist  as  soon  dhrown  as 
starve  to  death,  or  live  another  wake  on  this  dom  cornmale. 
Bedad,  but  Oi  'm  achin'  to  thry  it,  uv  ye  will,  sorr." 

I  leaned  forward  that  I  might  view  the  prospect  more 
clearly.  The  bunch  of  grass  he  indicated,  coarse  and  long- 
leaved,  appeared  strong  and  firmly  rooted,  while  the  decay- 
ing stump  of  a  large  tree  stood  just  beyond.  Using  my 
long  pole  for  a  lever  I  swung  out,  landing  fairly  in  the  heart 
of  the  current,  which  seized  me  as  if  with  iron  fingers, 
flinging  me  swiftly  downward  in  a  mad  race.  Twice  I  went 
under,  fighting  fiercely  for  life,  but  as  I  came  up  the  last 
time  I  touched  those  long  grass  blades  and  gripped  them 
desperately.  They  tore  loose  one  by  one  beneath  the  intense 
strain,  yet  ever  yielded  me  stronger  grasp  along  the  more 
sturdy  stem,  until  my  groping  feet,  swinging  farther  in, 
touched  ground  at  last  beneath  the  ripples,  and  trembling 
from  exertion  I  stood  erect,  the  water  to  my  hips,  my  pike 


106  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

pole  dancing-  merrily  away  down  stream.  As  I  braced  my- 
self more  securely  I  faced  Cassady,  where  he  stood  with 
mouth  wide  open  watching  me. 

"  Bedad,  sorr,"  he  called  out  consolingly.  "  Oi  thought 
ye  wus  a  goner  thet  toime  shure.  Oi  hed  an  ould  black 
mooly  cow  oncet  whut  swum  in  thet  same  illigant  way." 

"  You  '11  find  something  to  do  besides  laughing  if  you 
endeavor  to  travel  that  same  road,"  I  retorted,  breathless 
still,  and  not  a  little  annoyed  by  his  light  speech.  "  It  is 
strong  as  a  mill-race.  Will  you  dare  try  it  ?  " 

His  teeth  shut  together  like  a  steel  trap. 

"  Will  Oi  dare  ?  "  he  shouted  hoarsely,  his  quick  temper 
up  in  an  instant.  "  Will  Oi  dare  tnry  it,  ye  Frinch  spalpeen  ? 
May  the  divil  admire  me,  an'  did  ye  drame  Oi  wud  n't  dare 
do  whutiver  any  dom  Parley-voo  did  afore  me?  Be  the 
saints  but  Oi  '11  swim  thet  dom  crick  wid  one  hond  tied 
behind  me,  jist  fer  the  impidence  uv  ye  —  here  now,  catch 
me  toastin'  fork." 

He  swung  his  long  pole  across  at  me,  sending  it  with  a 
swish  through  the  air  that  plainly  bespoke  his  outraged  feel- 
ings. Then,  with  one  quick  leap  upward  into  the  air,  he 
dived  headlong  into  the  swirling  water,  going  down  in- 
stantly out  of  sight.  Mad  as  the  action  appeared,  there  was 
yet  true  method  in  it,  for  he  had  headed  up  stream,  and 
when  he  came  once  again,  bobbing  and  sputtering,  to  the 
surface,  he  was  breasting  the  swift  current  like  a  duck, 
fighting  valiantly  for  every  inch  of  way,  and  steadily  cir- 
cling toward  me,  as  the  fierce  sweep  of  the  stream  buffeted 
him  resistlessly  downward.  Yet  he  would  surely  have  gone 
past  my  perch,  swift  as  the  flight  of  an  arrow,  had  I  not 
thrust  the  long  pole  within  reach  of  his  fingers,  and  hauled 
him  in  at  the  end  of  it  like  a  red,  sputtering  fish.  For  a 
moment,  while  he  yet  swung  downward  gasping,  with  the 
water  surging  completely  over  him,  it  was  touch  and  go, 
but  he  held  on  gamely,  and  so  at  last  I  landed  him. 


We  Begin  a  Struggle  with  Death        107 

"  Be  Hivins,  but  Oi  'm  wather  insoide  an'  out,"  he 
breathed  heavily,  holding  his  sides  as  he  spat  with  vigor. 
"  Shure  an'  Oi  've  swallowed  a  keg  uv  thet  dom  muddy  stuff, 
an'  it  tastes  loike  a  decayin'  fish  smells.  A  moighty  foine 
country  this,  no  doubt,  whin  ye  once  git  down  to  it,  but  a 
bit  troublesome  to  travel  over  in  hoigh  wather,  to  me 
thinkin'.  Wus  the  site  uv  yer  illigant  farm  in  view  frum 
this  eminence,  sorr  ?  " 

I  muttered  something  in  response,  for  there  was  no  hope 
of  silencing  him,  and  then,  with  his  pole  in  hand,  started 
forward,  feeling  my  way  with  caution  through  the  some- 
what shallower  water.  Such  unquenchable  good-humor  was 
contagious,  nor  was  it  lessened  by  the  Irishman's  twinkling 
blue  eyes,  and  his  round  face  shining  with  moisture;  yet, 
wet  as  I  was  to  the  skin,  sore  from  buffeting,  and  with 
hunger  already  gnawing  unpleasantly  at  my  stomach,  I  was 
in  poor  spirits  for  laughter.  It  is  better  to  laugh  than  cry, 
no  doubt,  but  there  are  times  when  a  man  can  only  set  his 
teeth  tight  in  grim  struggle  to  the  death. 

Saint  Denis!  what  a  journey  we  made  that  day!  Often 
have  I  awakened  since  from  nightmare,  the  perspiration 
standing  in  great  beads  upon  my  forehead,  dreaming  I  was 
once  again  wandering  amid  the  fiendish  labyrinth  of  that 
death  swamp,  all  about  me  stretching  the  wide  waste  of 
yellow  water,  with  writhing  snakes  hissing  defiantly  from 
leafy  coverts,  and  black  crows  flapping  their  shadowy  wings 
in  constantly  narrowing  circles  overhead.  We  won  our 
passage  slowly,  and  through  incessant  toil,  slipping  on  these 
narrow  ridges  of  earth,  springing  from  hummock  to  hum- 
mock, or  hauling  ourselves  painfully  forward,  while  lying 
at  full  length,  by  grasping  bunches  of  stout  grass.  Some- 
times we  discovered  land  rising  an  inch  or  so  above  the 
level  of  the  water  —  black,  clinging  soil,  into  which  we 
sank  until  our  burdened  feet  dragged  like  lead.  Again  we 
splashed  onward  through  the  unvexed  flood,  feeling  for  each 


io8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

step  we  essayed,  until  the  stream  crept  up  to  my  shoulders, 
while  Cassady's  eyes  would  barely  clear  the  foul  surface. 
Time  after  time  we  were  compelled  to  turn  back,  our  on- 
ward path  blocked  by  obstacles  too  difficult  to  be  sur- 
mounted, and  three  times  we  swam,  daring  death  in  the 
raging  waters,  rather  than  retreat.  We  crept  painfully 
through  acres  of  tough  brown  reeds,  so  closely  woven  to- 
gether that  we  clung  to  each  other  in  fear  lest  we  become 
separated  amid  the  tangle,  while  again  the  long  swamp 
grass,  pliable  as  wire,  wrapped  its  tentacles  about  us,  and 
lacerated  cruelly  our  half-naked  limbs.  Out  from  the  heart 
of  the  current  detached  limbs,  and  even  entire  trees  uprooted, 
came  swiftly  bearing  down  upon  us,  the  swirling  root  of 
one  sweeping  me  completely  under  as  it  rolled  suddenly, 
and  I  was  only  released  from  its  murderous  grip  by  the 
Corporal  grasping  my  foot  as  I  went  plunging  headlong 
down.  Once  we  came  to  a  great  mass  of  this  driftwood, 
so  wedged  and  interwoven  we  were  an  hour  passing  it, 
often  obliged  to  dive  beneath  some  half  submerged  trunk, 
and  come  up  among  the  tangled  limbs  beyond.  And  every- 
where were  the  snakes  —  water-snakes  wriggling  their  long, 
slimy  bodies  toward  us,  while  every  tuft  of  grass  seemed  a 
chosen  lair,  and  others  curled  amid  the  dim  shadows  of  the 
driftwood.  They  were  in  myriads  —  water  moccasins,  black 
snakes,  each  one  looking  like  the  limb  of  a  tree,  rattlers 
springing  their  sudden  warning  of  death  within  a  foot  of 
us,  with  many  other  tawny  or  spotted  things  whose  names 
were  unknown. 

It  was  already  dusk  before  the  good  Lord  sent  us  respite. 
I  had  been  upbearing  the  Irishman  for  an  hour,  the  awful 
struggle  having  proven  too  terrible  a  strain  for  his  body 
weakened  by  wounds.  I  do  not  say  I  was  then  much  better 
off,  yet  it  was  never  in  my  heart  to  desert  a  comrade  to  so 
foul  a  grave,  while  I  retained  sufficient  strength  to  stagger 
even  a  yard  further.  It  was  not  much  when  we  reached  it, 


We  Begin  a  Struggle  with  Death        109 

scarcely  more  than  half  an  acre  of  dry  earth  at  the  best, 
with  a  bit  of  soft  grass  at  the  centre  of  it.  But  never  have 
I  felt  downier  bed;  and  when  I  had  dragged  the  barely 
conscious  soldier  up  the  steep  bank  to  safety,  I  flung  myself 
prone  beside  him,  nor  have  I  slightest  memory  of  stirring 
until  a  vagrant  bit  of  sunshine  pried  open  my  eyes  the  next 
dawn. 


CHAPTER   XI 

IN   THE  GRIP  OF 'THE  DEATH   SWAMP 

WE  remained  on  that  accursed  spot  for  three  seem- 
ingly endless  days,  the  exhalations  of  stagnant  water 
ever  in  our  nostrils,  the  black  harbingers  of  death  cir- 
cling with  flapping  wings  overhead.  Certes,  we  could  do 
nothing  better.  Strong  and  hardened  as  I  was  through  years 
of  rigorous  campaigning,  I  was  still  sore  from  neck  to  heel, 
my  every  bone  ached,  and  there  were  bruises  upon  me  as 
though  I  had  led  a  party  of  escaladers  through  some  deadly 
breach.  Yet  it  was  Cassady  who  held  us  thus  helpless.  The 
fever  gripped  him,  "and  for  one  whole  day  and  night  he 
tossed,  his  blood  on  fire  with  delirium,  his  brain  a  perfect 
chaos  of  demoniacal  fancy.  I  could  do  but  little  for  him 
except  build  a  fire  from  bits  of  scattered  driftwood.  During 
the  second  day  I  killed  a  bird,  and  this,  with  what  remained 
of  the  cornmeal,  furnished  our  sustenance. 

But  the  third  day  he  appeared  much  better,  and  became 
as  buoyant  as  ever  the  moment  his  mind  cleared.  Indeed 
he  staggered  to  his  feet,  so  weak  even  then  from  fever  he 
had  to  grasp  me  to  keep  from  falling,  and  almost  insisted 
that  we  immediately  press  on,  swearing  and  weeping  at  my 
refusal,  his  brain  filled  with  the  possible  dangers  surround- 
ing the  maid  who  might  be  with  Black  Peter. 

"  Shure  Oi  can  make  it,  Mister  Coubert,"  he  reiterated 
again  and  again.  "  Maybe  Oi  'm  a  bit  wake  from  the  faver 
jist  now,  but  it  wud  wear  off  me  in  the  wather.  Be  the  saints 
but  Oi  can't  stay  here  and  drame  uv  whut  them  poor  gyurls 
moight  have  happenin'  to  thim  out  yonder.  Shure,  sorr,  an' 


In  the  Grip  of  the  Death  Swamp         1 1 1 

thet  hoigh  land  thet  ye  wus  a  tellin'  me  about  can't  be  so 
very  far  away  by  now." 

He  gazed  out  across  the  dirty,  sickening,  yellow  flood 
stretching  to  the  north  of  us,  seeking  vainly  for  the  slight- 
est symptoms  of  dry  earth. 

"  To-morrow,  my  lad,  to-morrow,"  I  returned  a  bit 
sternly,  and  forcing  him  to  lie  down  once  again  upon  the 
blanket.  "  You  will  save  time,  man,  by  remaining  quiet 
and  regaining  more  strength;  the  fever  has  left  you  like  a 
baby.  Let  us  talk  over  this  matter  a  little,  so  as  to  see  what 
had  best  be  done  if  either  of  us  ever  escape  from  the  swamp 
alive.  This  delay  has  already  overturned  all  our  former 
plans." 

"  Do  ye  mane,  sorr,  thet  we  '11  be  too  late  to  do  them 
gyurls  any  good  ? "  he  asked,  his  face  flushing.  "  Holy 
Mother !  but  shure  ye  don't  drame  thet  the  rid  haythen  have 
got  hold  uv  thim  already  ?  " 

"  I  trust  God,  no ;  but  we  are  certainly  too  late  to  reach 
Pontiac  and  return  any  considerable  distance  in  time  to 
intercept  them  —  indeed  it  is  useless  longer  to  think  of  such 
a  thing.  Heaven  alone  knows  where  they  may  be  by  this 
time,  but  we  may  rest  assured  they  are  not  very  far  in  our 
rear,  and  may  even  pass  us  before  we  succeed  in  clearing 
this  labyrinth." 

"  You  think  thet,  sorr  ?  " 

"  How  can  it  be  otherwise  ?  It  must  be  so,  if  the  half- 
breed  has  met  with  no  accident  on  those  lower  rivers.  He 
will  have  a  heavier  boat,  and  more  men  at  the  paddles. 
We  have  lost  time  ever  since  we  turned  into  the  Kankakee. 
As  I  view  it  now,  those  Indians  delayed  us  by  every  means  in 
their  power  without  open  discovery;  they  were  mutinous 
from  the  first  over  the  hot  pace  we  set.  Just  recall  the  time 
already  lost :  we  lay  on  the  island  seven  days,  were  another 
coming  thus  far,  and  cannot  leave  here  before  to-morrow. 
That  makes  twelve  lost  days,  and  God  only  knows  what  else 


ii2  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

of  hardship  and  delay  awaits  us  out  yonder.  I  tell  you, 
Corporal,  I  can  only  pray  that  we  attain  the  banks  of  the 
Raisin  in  advance  of  their  crossing;  it  is  all  we  can  rea- 
sonably hope  for  now,  and  I  have  grave  doubt  of  accom- 
plishing even  that.  Yet  a  belief  that  it  may  be  possible 
spurs  me  on,  for  if  we  succeed  in  heading  them  off  there  we 
ought  still  to  be  in  time  to  balk  any  contemplated  deviltry 
on  the  part  of  that  half-breed." 

There  was  no  slightest  glimmer  of  fun  shining  in  the 
Irishman's  eyes  as  he  listened  attentively. 

"  What  wud  ye  be  thinkin'  wud  be  his  way  uv  doin'  it, 
sorr;  thet  is  uv  he  manes  anny  harm?"  he  questioned  anx- 
iously. "  Do  ye  be  thinkin'  he  '11  lave  them  gyurls  fair  alone 
whilst  they  're  a-travellin'  up  thet  long  river  ?  " 

"  The  more  I  've  reflected  upon  it  the  more  fully  I  've 
reached  this  conclusion:  If  Mademoiselle  and  Rene  have 
indeed  taken  passage  with  him  for  Detroit  —  and  I  confess 
to  having  little  doubt  regarding  it  from  what  you  tell  me, 
as  well  as  what  I  overheard  at  Chartres  —  then  the  half- 
breed  certainly  had  some  special  purpose  in  permitting  them 
to  accompany  him.  Messengers  travelling  through  a  coun- 
try overrun  with  hostiles  are  not  taking  charge  of  women 
without  good  reason,  especially  such  a  messenger  as  he. 
Now  what  would  you  say  it  might  be,  Cassady  ?  " 

The  Irishman  scratched  his  short  hair  vigorously,  his 
gaze  upon  my  face. 

"  It  moight  be  did  fer  love,  sorr,  and  it  moight  be  did 
fer  money." 

"  Eh,  bien! "  I  said  slowly,  thinking  the  problem  out  once 
more  as  I  placed  it  into  words.  "  Yet  neither  girl  had  ever 
seen  the  fellow  when  we  left  Chartres.  The  arrangements 
for  the  trip  must  have  been  already  made  through  the  aid 
of  others.  So  if  love  creeps  in,  it  must  arrive  later  while  on 
their  way  up  the  river.  It  is  quite  possible  the  half-breed 
may  become  enamoured  with  either  one  or  the  other,  and  thus 


In  the  Grip  of  the  Death  Swamp        113 

greatly  complicate  matters,  but  I  tell  you,  Cassady,  it  was 
money,  and  money  alone,  which  influenced  him  to  take  them 
with  him  from  Chartres.  Where  will  that  money  come 
from?" 

"  They  will  have  a-plenty  uv  coin  wid  thim ;  at  least  it 
wus  so  Rene  sed." 

"  Enough  to  pay  a  fair  price  for  the  service  asked,  no 
doubt,  and  the  half-breed  knows  all  about  it,  and  will  seek 
to  get  his  hands  on  every  cent  he  possibly  can  above  what 
they  offer  him,  by  either  fair  means  or  foul.  But  even  this 
is  not  my  entire  thought.  He  is  far  too  shrewd  and  cow- 
ardly a  rascal  to  do  them  any  open  injury  upon  the  trail, 
and  then  have  to  give  account  of  it  to  those  English  officers 
at  Detroit.  There  is  a  safer  method  than  that,  and  with  the 
chance  for  more  money  in  it,  —  I  mean  by  simply  permitting 
these  unsuspecting  women  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  Pontiac's 
warriors,  and  then  sharing  in  their  ransom.  Yet  to  make 
certain  of  obtaining  his  portion,  it  would  be  necessary  for 
the  half-breed  to  confer  with  the  chief  in  person.  I  doubt 
his  daring  to  do  it." 

"  Shure,  an'  why  not,  sorr  ?  He  wud  have  Monsieur  de 
Villiers's  passport  to  pertect  him  from  thim  savages." 

"  True,  and  might  confidently  rely  upon  it  for  safety 
when  once  within  Pontiac's  own  camp.  I  firmly  believe 
that  will  prove  his  plan,  Corporal,  and  if  my  supposition  is 
true  we  can  serve  best  by  pressing  our  way  directly  toward 
the  Indian  headquarters.  We  may  have  the  good  fortune 
to  head  him  off  yet,  but  if  not,  then  I  shall  denounce  him 
openly  before  Pontiac  as  an  English  spy." 

"  But  whut  uv  he  shud  giv'  them  gyurls  up  to  the  haythen 
way  back  yonder  on  the  river  ?  " 

"  He  will  not ;  that  would  be  killing  the  goose  with  the 
golden  eggs.  His  sole  chance  of  great  reward,  coupled  with 
safety  in  his  villany,  lies  in  bargaining  directly  with  Pontiac ; 
no  minor  chief  could  enter  into  and  carry  out  such  an  ar- 


ii4  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

rangement.  With  Pontiac  managing  it  the  half-breed  can 
keep  completely  in  the  background,  and  let  the  savages  do 
the  rest,  absolutely  certain  of  receiving  his  share.  Certes, 
it  will  be  a  neat  trick  enough,  for  they  could  demand  a  very 
pretty  figure  for  the  daughter  of  a  Lieutenant-Colonel  and 
English  noble.  She  would  thus  be  worth  far  more  to  them 
alive  than  dead,  while  the  half-breed  could  cover  his  trail 
thoroughly.  Even  his  victims  need  never  suspect  his  part 
in  the  treachery,  if  he  be  careful  to  keep  out  of  sight." 

Cassady  dropped  his  hand  heavily  on  the  blanket,  his  eyes 
blazing  suddenly,  an  oath  on  his  lips. 

"  Bedad,  it  may  be  all  roight  fer  the  one  uv  thim  whut 
hes  the  coin,  sorr,"  he  exclaimed  fiercely,  "  but  thet  prospect 
ain't  overy  foine  fer  the  other  to  my  thinkin'." 

"  Mademoiselle  would  sink  her  last  penny  rather  than 
desert  a  friend,  if  I  know  aught  of  the  nature  of  the  woman," 
I  returned  confidently.  "  Anyway  it  is  scarcely  likely  to 
come  to  such  a  necessity,  provided  we  can  find  our  way  out 
of  this  swamp  in  time  to  be  of  service.  I  have  here  suffi- 
cient authority  to  compel  Pontiac  to  disgorge  when  we  once 
reach  him,"  and  I  drew  my  precious  packet  of  papers,  care- 
fully wrapped  in  oiled  silk,  from  my  inner  shirt  pocket, 
and  held  them  out  in  full  view  of  the  Corporal. 

"  An'  whut  wus  thet,  sorr  ?  " 

"  Complete  authority,  under  his  signature  and  seal,  to 
represent  Monsieur  de  Villiers  in  all  matters  relating  to  the 
Indian  confederacy,"  I  replied,  filled  with  renewed  confi- 
dence in  my  power ;  "  and  I  think  even  Pontiac  will  have 
some  care  just  now  how  he  affronts  France  for  the  sake  of 
a  few  English  pounds." 

We  started  upon  our  journey  once  again  the  following 
morning,  and  with  very  little  in  our  stomachs  to  sustain  us 
upon  so  hard  a  trail.  I  carried  the  gun  and  blanket  as 
before,  but  the  meal  bag  had  been  scraped  clean,  so  that 
Cassady  travelled  empty-handed.  The  water  was  not  high, 


In  the  Grip  of  the  Death  Swamp        115 

seldom  coming  above  the  waist  of  either  of  us,  yet  we  sank 
so  deep  into  the  oozy  mud  at  each  step  that  our  progress 
was  necessarily  slow  and  most  wearisome.  Much  of  the 
day  we  waded  through  wide  fields  of  thick  cane  which 
sprouted  forth  from  the  water,  so  matted  together  that  at 
times  I  .was  compelled  to  hack  a  passage  by  the  use  of  my 
knife.  Occasionally  we  met  with  a  current  sufficiently  swift 
to  be  dangerous  crossing,  and  once  we  came  upon  so  wide 
and  perilous  a  stream  we  durst  not  attempt  to  stem  it, 
weakened  as  we  were  by  hunger  and  toil,  but  skirted  its 
bank  for  far  more  than  a  league  before  we  finally  discovered 
a  bridge  of  driftwood,  across  which  we  crept  on  hands  and 
knees.  We  lost  much  time  in  this  way,  and  no  doubt  wan- 
dered greatly  from  a  direct  passage  by  following  the  irregu- 
lar ridges  of  earth,  for  the  slightest  false  step  might  plunge 
us  headlong  into  some  gruesome  quagmire  that  would  in- 
gulf us  forever  within  its  horrid  slime. 

Yet  altogether  it  was  not  so  bad  as  the  first  day  had  been 
—  the  water  ran  more  quietly.  Indeed  it  was  mostly  stag- 
nant, not  straining  us  to  bear  up  against  its  flow,  nor  were 
we  compelled  to  dodge  floating  logs,  or  swim  surcharged 
gulfs.  But  we  were  both  greatly  weakened,  and  staggered 
most  piteously;  once  Cassady  fell  forward  over  a  slimy 
root  that  grappled  him,  and  would  have  drowned  where  he 
lay  had  I  not  upheld  him  until  somewhat  of  strength  re- 
turned. Toward  evening  I  slipped  from  off  a  ridge  of  earth 
into  a  deep  hole,  and  went  down  like  lead,  my  feet  heavy 
with  the  mud  that  caked  them.  Had  he  not  clung  desper- 
ately to  my  hair,  until  I  clawed  my  way  up  onto  land  again, 
I  should  have  ended  there,  no  doubt.  As  it  was,  our  gun 
was  lost  beyond  recovery. 

We  rested  that  night  between  two  trees,  which  had  fallen 
close  beside  each  other,  leaving  a  most  comfortable  bed 
between,  and  lifting  us  some  six  feet  above  the  water  level. 
We  drove  out  three  snakes  from  this  choice  resting-place 


n6          A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

before  we  could  venture  to  lie  down, .  killing  one,  a  gigantic 
rattler,  and  forcing  the  others  into  the  stream  beneath.  The 
night  was  chilly  and  damp,  and  we  had  neither  fire  nor  a 
bite  to  eat,  but  we  rolled  up  together  as  tightly  as  possible 
in  our  sodden  blanket,  and  thus  slept  fitfully  until  dawn. 
Once  I  partially  roused  to  brush  off  some  hairy  creature 
which  was  troubling  me,  and  then  lay  awake  listening  to 
the  Corporal  sobbing  in  his  sleep  like  a  frightened  child. 
But  he  awoke  more  cheerful  in  the  morning,  and  it  heart- 
ened me  somewhat  to  note  a  little  of  the  old  gleam  of  humor 
within  his  eyes;  yet,  faith,  it  was  piteous  enough  with  that 
pinched,  haggard  face  behind  it. 

"  Bedad,  an'  we  enjoy  yit  thet  same  magnificent  ocean 
view,  Oi  obsarve,  sorr,"  he  commented  solemnly,  hanging  his 
legs  over  the  tree-trunk,  and  staring  about  through  the  gray 
dawn.  "  Shure,  an'  it 's  got  to  be  dhry  land  this  day,  er  else 
the  end  uv  the  both  uv  us.  Oi  wud  Oi  hed  a  peck  uv  per- 
simmons to  dhraw  up  me  stomick  so  es  to  properly  fit  the 
food  supply." 

"  Comrade,"  I  said,  resting  one  hand  on  his  ragged  sleeve, 
"  't  is  not  likely  that  either  of  us  is  much  given  to  prayer, 
for  we  have  left  that  to  the  priests  —  it  was  never  our  trade. 
But,  as  you  just  said,  it  must  be  dry  land  this  day,  or  certain 
death  for  both  of  us,  for  I  confess  I  have  no  great  amount 
of  strength  left.  It  would  not  be  unmanly,  I  take  it,  espe- 
cially as  our  own  lives  are  not  the  only  ones  at  stake  in 
this  game,  if  we  were  to  ask  God  to  guide  us  in  our  blind 
journeying." 

He  glanced  aside  at  me,  a  bit  startled  by  so  unexpected 
a  proposal,  yet  I  marked  his  eyes  were  wet  with  sudden 
moisture,  and  his  voice  shook  as  he  sought  to  make  reckless 
reply. 

"  Shure  it  cud  do  no  harm,  sorr,  an'  maybe  them  gud 
wurds  wud  loosen  up  the  jints  uv  me  legs  a  trifle,  fer,  be 
the  saints,  they  do  creak  whin  Oi  walk.  But  Oi  wuS  niver 


In  the  Grip  of  the  Death  Swamp        117 

proficient  in  prayer,  sorr,  tho'  me  mother  furst  took  me  to 
Fayther  Doyle  wid  the  pious  intention  uv  makin'  me  over 
into  a  praist;  she  did  thet." 

I  read  a  deeper  truth  in  his  •  eyes  than  found  utterance 
upon  his  lips,  and  I  knelt  there,  my  face  upturned  to  those 
dull,  dead  skies,  giving  utterance  to  a  broken  confession  of 
sin,  and  beseeching  divine  guidance  that  day  for  the  sake 
of  others.  I  was  of  Huguenot  blood,  yet  somehow  it 
afforded  me  a  fresh  spark  of  faith  as  I  saw  his  hands 
fingering  the  rosary  at  his  throat,  and  marked  the  silent 
movement  of  his  lips.  Surely  we  both  were  stronger  for 
that  moment  on  our  knees  together.  Yet  what  a  strange, 
pathetic  picture  it  made!  That  lonely,  desolate  scene  in  the 
heart  of  the  wilderness,  the  sombre  skies,  the  yellow  flood, 
the  sodden  reeds  waving  above  the  endless  water,  and  we, 
two  desperate,  hungry,  hopeless  men,  kneeling  on  that  tree- 
trunk,  looking  beseechingly  upward  into  the  face  of  God, 
forgetful  of  all  variations  in  faith  during  that  one  moment 
of  supreme  despair.  I  waited  in  reverent  silence  until  he 
had  counted  his  last  bead ;  then  we  looked  into  each  other's 
eyes,  and  our  hands  met  in  a  single  clasp  before  we  slid 
down  into  the  water. 

I  retain  but  small  memory  of  that  awful  day,  as  regards 
either  its  toil  or  its  danger.  It  remains  but  as  a  hazy  thing, 
vague,  indistinct,  with  no  coherence  to  bind  this  and  that 
occurrence  together.  I  felt  the  water  sweeping  against  me, 
cold  and  clammy  like  a  death  hand;  I  touched  the  slime- 
covered  branches  buried  in  the  mud  with  my  partially  bare 
feet;  I  staggered  like  a  drunken  man  over  half-submerged 
hummocks,  and  plunged  face  downward  into  stagnant,  ill- 
smelling  pools.  I  marked  Cassady  behind  me,  and  laughed 
deliriously  at  the  odd  way  in  which  he  swayed  back  and 
forth  in  endeavor  to  keep  foot  upon  the  narrow  ridge ;  how 
white  and  ghastly  his  face  looked,  and  how  his  teeth  gleamed 
when  he  tried  to  smile  back  at  me.  Somehow  there  was  a 


n8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

constant  mist  over  my  eyes,  a  strange,  undulating  mist  which 
made  the  green  water  look  blood-red,  the  dull  sky  a  sickly 
yellow.  I  ran  into  great  trunks  of  trees  without  seeing 
them,  and  sank  down,  crying  like  a  lost  child,  before  a  mass 
of  matted  reeds  which  mocked  my  progress.  I  heard  the 
caw  of  crows  just  overhead,  even  felt  the  flap  of  great 
bustards'  wings  at  my  very  ear,  yet  without  sufficient 
strength  to  lift  so  much  as  a  hand  to  frighten  them;  a 
snake  uplifted  his  ugly  flat  head  to  strike,  and  I  grimly  set 
foot  upon  it,  scarce  knowing  what  I  did,  crushing  the  thing 
down  into  the  mud  beneath  me.  I  retain  no  memory  of  a 
word  passing  between  my  comrade  and  myself  in  all  those 
hours  —  just  the  splash,  splash  of  the  water,  the  heavy 
sucking  of  the  mud  as  it  loosened  grasp  upon  our  feet.  It 
is  only  one  long,  long  horror,  so  intense,  so  masterful,  that 
I  walked  it  largely  unconscious,  my  brain  dulled  and  dead, 
my  limbs  moving  mechanically  to  the  dictates  of  a  will 
which  would  not  die.  I  retain  no  memory  of  when  we  first 
saw  that  distant  bank  of  dry  earth  rise  before  us,  nor  how 
I  ever  succeeded  in  reaching  it.  I  knew  not  whether  I 
struggled  on  alone  in  that  final  effort,  —  whether  it  was 
merely  another  island  on  which  we  were  doomed  to  die; 
I  only  realized  that  at  last  I  could  lie  down  again,  lie  down, 
free  from  that  haunting,  stagnant  water,  that  poisonous 
cesspool  of  slime  and  foul  vapor  —  lie  down,  and  sleep. 
I  must  have  plunged  forward  face  downward,  my  hands 
outspread,  for  it  was  so  I  rested  when  the  morning 
found  me. 


CHAPTER   XII 

THE  CABIN   ON   THE  RAISIN 

I  AWOKE  and  rolled  over,  my  joints  aching  stiffly,  and 
stared  up  through  the  branches  of  a  huge  oak  tree  at 
the  clear  blue  sky.  beyond.  For  the  moment  I  was  unable 
to  think,  failing  even  to  recall  how  I  came  there,  a  deathly 
lassitude  holding  me  prone  and  witless.  Then  all  that  had 
occurred  came  to  mind  like  a  flash  of  powder  in  the  night, 
and  I  struggled  to  sit  erect  and  gaze  about  at  the  strange 
scene.  I  was  upon  the  very  edge  of  a  bank  of  green  turf, 
in  the  midst  of  a  grove  of  trees,  beyond  the  fringe  of  which 
stretched  an  open  reach  of  prairie  land,  the  long  grasses 
waving  in  the  wind,  and  gleaming  beneath  the  sun.  In  the 
opposite  direction  was  the  swamp,  extending  as  far  as  my 
eyes  could  see,  a  dread  picture  of  sombre  desolation  with 
its  black  water  pools,  and  mocking,  dull-colored  cane.  I 
shuddered  as  I  glanced  back  at  it,  and  then  remembered 
Cassady.  He  was  nowhere  within  sight,  and  I  staggered 
to  my  feet,  so  stiff  and  weak  I  was  obliged  to  clutch  at  the 
tree  to  steady  myself,  and  thus  bent  over  the  edge  of  the 
bank,  up  which  I  had  in  some  way  forced  passage  the  even- 
ing previous.  He  lay  there  upon  his  back,  at  the  very 
margin  of  the  morass,  his  knees  bent  under  him  in  the  exact 
position  in  which  he  had  fallen,  one  hand  hanging  over  into 
the  slimy  water.  I  slid  down  the  steep  slope  until  I  reached 
his  side,  and  shook  him  into  semi-consciousness. 

"  Come,  Corporal,"  I  said,  endeavoring  to  speak  sternly 
the  better  to  arouse  him,  but  finding  my  own  voice  trem- 
bling so  with  weakness  as  to  fail  utterly  in  the  effort. 


1 20  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Wake  up,  my  man ;  we  have  attained  the  dry  country, 
and  our  lives  are  saved." 

He  started  perceptibly  at  the  sound  of  my  voice,  and  the 
touch  of  my  hand,  and  would  have  rolled  over  into  the 
slime  had  I  not  gripped  his  collar  firmly.  His  eyes  opened, 
and  he  gazed  up  into  my  face,  but  without  recognition,  his 
look  vacant  and  dull. 

"  It 's  moighty  noice  to  be  ded,"  he  muttered  brokenly. 
"  Moighty  noice  an'  still."  His  heavy  eyes  closed  again 
wearily,  and  I  could  mark  how  white  the  lids  were,  outlined 
against  the  tan  of  his  cheeks. 

I  glanced  around  at  that  steep  bank  rising  abruptly  above 
us ;  it  was  perfectly  useless  to  dream  of  dragging  his  heavy 
body  to  the  top  —  I  barely  retained  sufficient  strength  to 
creep  there  alone.  Then  suddenly  my  roving  eyes  fell  upon 
the  edge  of  a  shell  protruding  from  out  the  mud  close  beside 
his  foot.  It  was  that  of  a  soft-water  clam,  and  I  flung  it 
forth  upon  the  shore,  seeking  eagerly  here  and  there  after 
others,  until  I  had  gathered  a  dozen.  This  exercise,  to- 
gether with  the  knowledge  that  here  was  food  supply, 
brought  me  back  renewed  ambition.  I  flung  my  treasures, 
one  by  one,  higher  up  on  that  green  turf  above,  and  paused, 
looking  down  in  baffled  perplexity  on  the  stupefied  Irishman 
at  my  feet.  Pardieu!  by  long  training  he  was  a  soldier; 
if  aught  might  ever  arouse  him  to  action  it  would  be  a  sharp 
military  command. 

"  Corporal,  wake  up !  "  I  ordered  tersely,  striking  him 
heavily  in  the  side  with  my  foot.  "  We  are  attacked ;  get 
your  platoon  into  line !  " 

He  sat  up  with  a  moan,  his  eyes  widely  open  enough  now, 
but  his  head  reeling  upon  his  shoulders  as  though  in  drink. 
I  thrust  my  arm  about  him,  determined  to  prevent  any 
sinking  back  into  coma. 

"  Come,  Cassady,  man,"  I  cried,  shaking  him  roughly. 
"Rouse  up,  and  climb  this  bank  with  me;  there  is  that 


The  Cabin  on  the  Raisin  12  j 

which  will  furnish  us  with  a  good  breakfast  at  the 
top." 

He  permitted  me  to  assist  in  lifting  him  without  uttering 
a  word  of  protest,  but  for  the  moment  he  leaned  so  heavily 
against  me,  swaying  in  his  weakness,  that  I  found  great 
difficulty  in  maintaining  my  own  feet.  But  this  sense  of 
dizziness  seemed  to  pass  away  as  the  fresh  air  of  the  morn- 
ing smote  him,  and  soon  he  was  standing  erect,  his  hands 
merely  grasping  my  arm  with  which  to  steady  himself. 

"  It  raly  is  the  dhry  land,  sorr,"  he  whispered,  as  if  his 
tongue  was  thick.  "  Praise  God,  but  Oi  niver  thought  Oi 
wud  iver  look  upon  the  loikes  uv  it  agin." 

He  turned  his  head  slowly  until  he  faced  those  dreary 
leagues  of  brooding  morass  stretching  away  southward,  his 
eyes  darkening  with  sudden  remembrance  of  suffering. 

"  Bad  cess  to  yer  black,  slimy  mud ! "  he  cried,  the 
sudden  flaring  up  of  anger  giving  him  new  voice.  "  We 
bate  ye;  be  all  the  saints  in  the  calendar,  ye  kin  kape  yer 
snakes,  an'  ivery  other  dom  ghost  thet  haunts  ye,  fer  we 
bate  ye,  ye  durty,  grinnin'  divil  —  we  bate  ye,  an'  hev' 
rached  the  dhry  land." 

He  sank  forward  before  I  could  catch  him,  and  dug  his 
fingers  deep  into  the  soft  turf,  pressing  his  lips  against  it 
as  though  in  frenzied  worship. 

"  Come,  come,  Cassady,"  I  implored,  almost  frightened 
at  his  strange  actions,  and  resting  heavy  hand  upon  his 
shoulder.  "  Let  us  be  men,  and  fight  this  thing  out  fairly. 
We  are  not  dead  yet.  As  you  say,  we  have  beaten  that 
swamp  of  its  victims ;  now  let 's  live  for  those  others  who 
may  need  us.  Sacre,  lad,  it  is  the  voice  of  Rene  that  calls 
you!" 

He  heard  that  name  plainly  enough,  and  it  steadied  him 
like  a  powerful  draught  of  wine. 

"  It  wus  no  more  nor  a  bit  uv  wakeness  in  me  hed,  sorr," 
he  explained  penitently.  "  Shure  Oi  wus  thet  nigh  gone  wid 


122  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

faver,  an'  the  spirits  hauntin'  me,  it  made  me  fair  crazy; 
but  now  Oi  'm  ready  enough  fer  whatever  is  to  be  doin'." 

The  clams,  tasteless  as  they  were  without  salt,  yet  sufficed 
to  put  fresh  vigor  into  both  of  us.  I  roasted  them  within 
their  shells  over  a  fire  of  dry  brushwood,  started  by  flint 
and  steel,  and  never  do  I  recall  a  meal  more  thoroughly 
enjoyed.  We  lingered  long  over  it,  the  grateful  warmth  of 
the  flames  seeming  to  take  the  stiffness  out  of  our  limbs, 
while  the  food  and  talk  together  brought  color  back  into 
our  cheeks,  and  a  measure  of  strength  to  our  bodies. 

"  Annyhow  it  is  an  improvement  over  thet  cornmale,  sorr," 
commented  my  companion,  eyeing  his  last  clam  with  evi- 
dent regret.  "  Maybe  not  whut  ye  call  an  ipecac  wud  be 
a-payin'  out  his  fortune  for,  but  noice  an'  soothin'  to  the 
stomjck  after  the  snakes  an'  the  loikes  uv  thet.  Do  ye 
know  where  it  is  we  be  now,  sorr  ?  " 

"  Only  that  we  are  north,  and  possibly  a  trifle  east  of 
where  we  left  the  Kankakee.  I  had  trusted  you,  might 
possess  some  knowledge  of  this  country  ?  " 

He  shook  his  head  gravely.   . 

"  Oi  've  bin  twice  over  the  trail  betwixt  Chartres  an' 
Datroit,  but  thet  must  uv  bin  a  long  way  east  uv  here, 
sorr.  Yet  shure  there  's  a  river  they  do  call  the  Saint  Joseph 
whut  runs  west  into  the  big  lake,  thet  can't  be  so  very  fur 
off  out  yonder,"  and  he  pointed  away  into  the  north. 
"  There  's  a  Frinch  fort,  wid  a  bit  uv  a  sittlemint  fer  fur- 
traders,  near  its  mouth  I  'm  told.  We  moight  float  down 
thet  strame  a-straddle  uv  a  log,  sorr,  and  not  hav'  so  very 
much  trouble." 

"  And  leave  those  two  women  for  Black  Pete'r  to  dispose 
of  just  as  he  pleases?  " 

"  Be  Hivins,  no !  Oi  wud  n't  lave  them  gyurls  to  thet  divil 
uv  a  half-brade  aven  if  Oi  hed  to  crawl  from  here  to 
Datroit  on  me  knees.  How  far  wud  thet  be  loike  to  be, 
sorr?" 


The  Cabin  on  the  Raisin  123 

"  It  must  be  fifty  leagues,  at  least ;  more,  no  doubt,  as 
we  should  be  compelled  to  travel  it." 

He  got  upon  his  feet  slowly,  as  if  every  joint  ached,  and, 
with  his  hands  clutching  tightly  the  oak  tree,  peered  long 
and  anxiously  across  the  desolate  stretch  of  prairie,  his  eyes 
half  closed  as  if  he  would  transform  them  into  field-glasses. 

"  Oi  'm  a  bit  wake  yit,  Oi  foind,  sorr,"  he  acknowledged 
presently.  "  An'  from  the  way  ye  crawled  up  the  bank  a 
while  back  Oi  think  ye  're  not  much  the  betther  for  the 
foine  swamp  air  we  've  bin  inhalin'  in  sich  magnificent 
quantities  uv  late.  But,  nivertheless,  Oi  'm  fer  goin'  straight 
on,  sorr,  even  if  we  don't  make  more  nor  a  league  the  day." 
'  T  is  the  fighting  blood,  Cassady,"  I  answered,  instantly 
aroused  by  the  ring  of  bulldog  courage  in  his  voice.  "  It 's 
bound  to  be  a  hard  journey,  lad,  for  both  of  us,  yet,  under 
God,  we  must  make  it  somehow ;  I  can  see  no  other  way." 

With  no  little  pain  we  gathered  together  what  clams  we 
could  find  near  the  margin  of  the  water.  They  were  few  in 
number,  and  not  of  the  best,  but  we  dumped  them  into  the 
blanket,  which  I  swung  across  my  shoulder.  Then  we 
started  on  our  toilsome  journey  through  the  high  grass, 
leaving  the  narrow  fringe  of  oak  trees  behind,  and  plunging 
at  once  into  the  bare,  open  prairie,  guided  by  the  sun.  The 
tough  grass-blades  wound  about  our  feet,  constantly  trip- 
ping us,  even  lacerating  the  flesh  where  the  many  holes 
yawned  in  our  foot-gear,  yet  we  made  better  progress  than 
I  had  at  first  deemed  possible.  We  were  weak  enough,  and 
stumbled  painfully  over  the  least  irregularity  of  path,  yet 
we  had  covered  more  than  three  leagues  before  we  gave  up 
the  hard  struggle,  and  sank  down,  panting  and  exhausted, 
beside  a  small  stream  of  clear  cold  water. 

We  ate  again,  sparingly,  of  our  clams  that  night,  but  the 
next  morning  the  very  sight  of  them  sickened  me.  I  could 
not  bear  even  to  watch  Cassady  as  he  succeeded,  with  much 
apparent  toil,  in  washing  down  two  of  the  flabby,  tasteless 


1 24  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

creatures,  but  instead  started  off  slowly  on  the  day's  travel 
through  a  grove  of  giant  forest  trees.  The  incidents  of  the 
days  that  followed  can  never  be  fully  told;  they  do  not 
abide  with  me  in  detail,  merely  in  glimpses  here  and  there, 
as  some  strange  happening  made  permanent  impress  on  my 
dulled,  bewildered  brain.  I  retain  no  memory  of  suffering 
from  hunger,  although  I  realized  clearly  enough  that  we 
were  slowly  starving  —  I  could  read  this  in  Cassady's  plead- 
ing eyes  and  pinched  cheeks;  even  in  my  own  strangely 
altered  face  as  it  stared  back  at  me,  unkempt  and  haggard, 
from  out  some  sunlit  pool  where  I  had  stooped  to  drink. 

I  remember  we  would  walk  each  day,  refreshed  somewhat 
by  our  night's  rest,  until  we  staggered  so  from  increasing 
weakness  as  to  make  another  forward  step  impossible.  Even 
then  there  were  times  when  we  crawled  yet  farther  on  our 
hands  and  knees,  unable  to  remain  where  we  had  fallen,  or 
seeking  water  beyond.  The  course  we  followed  led  through 
deep  valleys  of  high  waving  grass,  along  the  margin  of 
little  lakes  framed  about  by  heavy  timber,  and  through 
gloomy  woods,  where  all  sound  vanished  except  the  melan- 
choly rustling  of  leaves  high  overhead.  For  a  while  we  trav- 
elled along  the  southern  bank  of  a  fairly  broad  stream, 
having  a  sturdy  westerly  flow.  The  corporal  thought  this 
must  be  the  upper  waters  of  the  Saint  Joseph,  but  I  know 
not.  Its  current  was  often  choked  by  driftwood,  and  finally 
made  so  sharp  a  bend  toward  the  north  that  we  left  its 
guidance  entirely,  pushing  our  way  forth  once  more  into 
the  eye  of  the  rising  sun.  During  all  this  time  we  ate 
but  little  —  a  snail  or  two,  hideous  creatures  enough,  yet 
palatable  had  we  only  possessed  salt  with  which  to  flavor 
them;  some  berries  sweet  to  the  taste  and  nutritious,  and 
quite  a  store  of  nuts,  discovered  by  chance  where  .an  enter- 
prising squirrel  had  hidden  them  the  year  previous.  Back 
from  the  river  we  dug  with  our  knives  some  honey  from 
out  the  decayed  heart  of  a  bee-tree,  and  by  wading  forth 


The  Cabin  on  the  Raisin  125 

into  the  waters  of  a  fair  lake  —  a  magnificent  jewel  in  its 
wild  forest  setting  —  using  a  thorn  for  a  hook  and  a  bit  of 
rush  for  a  line,  we  succeeded  in  bringing  ashore  three  perch. 
These,  together  with  a  gray  squirrel,  knocked  from  off  a 
tree-trunk  by  a  well-directed  stone,  kept  us  alive,  and  yielded 
us  sufficient  strength  to  stumble  blindly  on. 

One  grows  callous  in  time  to  both  danger  and  fatigue  — 
he  ceases  to  think,  to  realize,  even  to  suffer.  It  becomes 
as  a  part  of  life,  and  the  physical  being  goes  on  and  does 
its  allotted  task  unknowingly,  as  I  have  witnessed  soldiers 
marching  asleep  upon  their  feet  in  a  hard  campaign.  We 
did  not  talk ;  there  was  nothing  to  talk  about.  We  saw  the 
wide  plains,  the  frowning  woods,  the  sun-kissed  lakes,  but 
they  were  no  more  than  a  passing  dream;  bent  wearily 
forward,  our  dull  eyes  searching  the  path,  we  simply  toiled 
on  hour  after  hour,  step  upon  step,  heeding  nothing,  barely 
conscious  indeed  that  we  lived,  utterly  indifferent  to  the 
possibility  of  death,  yet  with  a  certain  mad  desperation  ever 
urging  us  to  press  forward.  No  doubt  it  was  but  a  species 
of  insanity  that  gripped  us,  which  held  us  to  our  path  with 
the  grim  relentlessness  of  fatality.  Surely  it  would  have 
been  easier,  and  sweeter  far,  to  sink  down  into  the  deep 
grass  and  die.  There  were  times  when  I  felt  that  I  must  do 
so,  when  I  could  drag  my  heavy  feet  not  an  inch  farther, 
but  dropped  like  a  log  in  the  trail ;  once  Cassady  sank  thus 
behind  me,  falling  so  silently  that  I  failed  to  miss  him  until 
I  also  gave  up  the  struggle  in  helpless  exhaustion.  Yet  the 
next  day  we  were  together  again,  staggering  blindly  toward 
the  goal  we  had  set,  two  most  pathetic  figures  in -the  heart 
of  that  vast,  deserted  wilderness. 

I  cannot  even  count  the  days  of  that  struggle  —  it  remains 
with  me  merely  as  one  long-drawn-out  agony,  naked  and 
unrelieved.  Stupor  clogged  us,  and  despair  looked  forth 
from  lack-lustre  eyes,  seeing  nowhere  either  relief  or  hope. 
We  became  no  more  than  animals  driven  by  instinct  to 


126  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

retain  life,  even  while  every  breath  was  a  torture,  every 
step  a  defeat.  No  doubt  the  presence  of  each  yielded  the 
other  courage  to  persevere  —  had  either  been  alone  death 
surely  would  have  been  his  portion;  the  tension  of  such 
loneliness  would  have  snapped  the  brain  and  ended  the 
unequal  struggle.  As  it  was,  ofttimes  unconsciously,  we 
battled  for  mastery,  neither  of  us  willing  to  confess  weak- 
ness, but  forcing  our  battered,  aching  bodies  to  become  ser- 
vants to  unconquerable  wills.  Yet  there  is  an  inevitable 
end  to  such  awful  struggle,  an  end  where  body  and  brain 
alike  fail,  and  go  down  into  hopeless  midnight.  God  knows 
we  were  near  enough  to  it  —  I  felt  its  coming  in  that 
delirium  which  now  and  then  swept  over  me,  finding  relief 
in  snatches  of  comic  song  and  uncontrollable  shrieks  of 
laughter;  I  saw  it  pictured  in  Cassady's  glowing,  hungry 
eyes,  and  in  the  tigerish  gleam  of  his  white  teeth  when  he 
grinned  in  savage  mockery  into  my  face,  muttering  to  him- 
self incoherent  words  and  phrases. 

He  was  talking  thus,  in  a  way  that  caused  me  to  turn  and 
look  at  him  lest  he  be  meditating  some  evil  in  his  madness, 
when  suddenly  the  black,  mocking  woods  opened  in  front 
of  us,  and  we  came  forth  upon  a  fair  stream,  near  a  hundred 
feet  in  width,  with  a  sturdy  flow  to  the  eastward.  It  was  a 
river  of  considerable  depth,  having  a  somewhat  swift  cur- 
rent. I  doubt  if  we  had  spoken  to  each  other  all  that  day, 
but  as  I  flung  myself  wearily  upon  the  ground  I  caught  one 
glimpse  of  his  face,  and  it  had  a  new  expression  upon  it. 
The  dull  vacancy  was  gone,  and  he  stood  gazing  eagerly 
about  him,  his  feet  spread  wide  apart  to  brace  him  upright. 

"  What  is  it,  Corporal  ? "  I  questioned,  wonderingly. 
"  You  look  as  if  you  had  suddenly  met  with  an  old 
friend." 

"  In  Hivin's  name  it 's  the  Raisin,"  he  whispered  solemnly, 
lifting  his  hands  as  if  in  prayer.  "  My  God,  it  is  the 
Raisin !  "  and  then,  like  a  great  child,  he  burst  into  tears. 


The  Cabin  on  the  Raisin  127 

"  The  Raisin  ?  "  I  exclaimed,  feeling  the  touch  of  a  sob 
within  my  own  throat  that  choked  me.  "  Are  you  sure  of 
that,  man  ? " 

He  looked  about  once  more,  lifting  his  face  from  where 
it  had  been  hidden  within  his  hands,  and  dashing  the  tears 
from  out  his  dimmed  eyes. 

"  Ay ;  it 's  roight  enough  Oi  am.  Thet  's  the  Raisin,  an' 
no  doubt  uv  it.  Shure  it  has  ivery  look  uv  thet  strame  jist 
as  Oi  remimber  it,  a*id  judgin'  frum  the  width  uv  the 
wather  roight  here  we  can't  be  so  dom  far  from  ould  Anse's 
ferry." 

He  sank  down  suddenly,  evidently  too  weak  to  remain 
standing  longer. 

"OldAnse?    Who  is  old  Anse?" 

"  As  odd  a  gnarly  stick  as  iver  growed  along  this  fron- 
tier, sorr,"  he  replied,  a  fresh  interest  plainly  perceptible  in 
his  voice,  which  however  had  reverted  into  a  mere  whisper. 
"  Shure  an'  Oi  don't  roightly  know  whither  he  be  divil  or 
mon,  Frinch  or  English,  thrue  hearted,  or  a  dom  lyin'  cut- 
throat. Sometimes  Oi  've  thought  him  the  whole  uv  it,  an' 
thin  agin  Oi  did  n't  know  which  he  wus.  Annyhow  he  's 
the  ferrymen  across  the  Raisin,  an'  dom  a  one,  be  they 
savage  or  white,  ever  passed  along  thet  trail  who  does  n't 
know  ould  Anse  —  an'  bad  cess  to  him !  —  most  uv  thim 
have  good  raison  to  regret  the  acquaintance." 

"  A  most  delightful  character,  no  doubt,"  I  interrupted, 
caring  little  just  then  for  reminiscence.  "  But  it  is  hardly 
likely  he  will  be  there  now.  The  savages  would  leave  no 
solitary  white  settler  unmolested  in  this  neighborhood,  espe- 
cially one  who  probably  from  his  name  has  English  blood  in 
his  veins." 

He  shook  his  head  in  vigorous  dissent  from  my  reasoning. 

"  It 's  little  they  're  loike  to  bother  sich  truck  as  him.  He 
plays  in  wid  all  ther  bluddy  games,  an'  besides,  he 's  got 
a  greasy  Pottawattomie  squaw  fer  to  help  keep  him  solid 


128  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

wid  the  rid  haythen.  He 's  thar  fast  enough,  or  else  out  wid 
the  rist  uv  the  gang,  up  to  sum  divilment." 

The  Irishman's  head  sank  down  upon  his  breast  as  though 
the  effort  at  talk  wearied  him.  For  a  moment  I  gazed  long- 
ingly down  the  river,  even  crept  closer  to  its  bank,  won- 
dering if  some  detached  log  might  not  float  near,  which  we 
could  utilize  for  a  boat.  The  momentary  exhilaration  of 
discovery  seemed  to  die  away  within,  leaving  me  weak  and 
nerveless,  until  finally  I  lay  back  trembling  upon  the  grass. 

"  There  is  no  use  trying  to  push  on  now,  Corporal,"  I 
acknowledged  faintly.  "  Perhaps  a  night's  rest  will  bring 
back  sufficient  strength,  and  enable  us  to  make  it  to- 
morrow." 

He  returned  no  answer,  scarcely  moving  his  head  to 
signify  that  he  heard  me.  We  had  a  handful  of  nuts  left, 
and  a  root  of  some  wild  growth,  which  tasted  not  unlike  a 
turnip.  These  we  divided  silently,  and  ate  slowly,  forcing 
down  each  unpalatable  portion  as  men  perform  an  unpleas- 
ant task.  I  was  a  long  while  getting  to  sleep,  lying  there 
with  head  pillowed  on  my  arm,  listening  to  the  music  of  the 
running  water,  my  brain  aflame  with  strange  fancies,  half 
real,  half  the  spectres  of  delirium.  Occasionally  Cassady 
would  toss  wildly,  flinging  out  his  arms,  and  moaning  as 
if  in  agony. 

We  started  with  the  first  gray  streak  of  dawn,  having 
nothing  remaining  upon  which  to  break  our  fast.  I  re- 
member the  sky  was  overcast,  the  day  gloomy  and  damp, 
but  I  cannot  recall  whether  or  not  it  rained.  It  was  the 
hardest  of  all  the  days,  for  by  this  time  we  were  greatly 
reduced  from  lack  of  food  and  rest.  Hope,  engendered  by 
the  discovery  of  our  possible  nearness  to  assistance,  alone 
yielded  sufficient  power  to  enable  us  to  press  on.  But  for 
that  I  should  surely,  and  within  the  first  hour,  have  given 
up  the  hard  struggle  in  despair,  and  dropped  into  the  long 
grass  never  to  rise  again.  We  followed  the  course  of  the 


The  Cabin  on  the  Raisin  129 

river,  never  venturing  to  wander  beyond  sight  of  it  in  fear 
we  might  miss  what  we  sought.  We  thus  encountered 
harder  travelling,  and  a  longer  journey.  I  think  we  must 
have  fallen  twenty  times  that  day,  lying  where  we  dropped 
until  sufficient  strength  returned  to  enable  us  to  regain  our 
feet  and  stagger  blindly  on.  Twice  Cassady  fainted,  and  I 
crept  to  the  river  after  water  with  which  to  revive  him, 
and  once  I  stumbled  into  a  narrow  stream,  falling  face  down- 
ward into  the  water,  and  should  have  drowned  there  had 
he  not  upheld  my  head  until  I  found  sufficient  strength  to 
roll  out  upon  the  bank.  It  was  already  growing  dusk  when 
he  stopped  suddenly  —  for  he  was  leading  the  way  now  — 
bracing  himself  wide  on  his  feet,  and  swaying  back  and 
forth  like  a  tottering  tree.  For  the  moment  I  watched 
him  with  dull,  uncomprehending  eyes. 

"  There !  "  he  cried,  pointing  crazily.  "  Oi  knew  it !  An' 
it 's  jist  around  thet  bend!  " 

His  extended  arms  shot  up  above  his  head  as  though  for 
a  dive,  and  he  went  down  full  length  upon  his  face.  I 
stared  for  an  instant  at  his  black  figure  outstretched  upon  the 
grass,  then  started  in  the  direction  he  had  indicated,  striv- 
ing weakly  to  run.  Twice  I  fell  heavily,  yet  scrambled 
once  again  to  my  feet,  and  went  staggering  blindly  forward. 
As  I  rounded  a  bunch  of  stunted  trees  I  perceived  what  we 
sought  just  in  front  of  me  —  a  double  log  cabin,  slabs  nailed 
across  the  windows,  the  door  tightly  closed.  One  second 
I  halted,  swaying  back  and  forth  like  a  drunken  man,  the 
throbbing  of  my  heart  sounding  above  the  silence;  then  I 
stumbled  weakly  forward,  my  eyes  seeing  nothing  but  that 
black  cabin  door.  As  I  came  up  to  it,  it  opened,  and  a  man 
suddenly  fronted  me,  gun  in  hand.  I  scarcely  saw  him, 
for  all  before  me  was  mist,  red,  yellow,  blue,  ever  moving 
in  great  swaying  circles.  I  put  forth  one  hand  and  grasped 
the  log  wall  to  keep  from  falling. 

"  Starving ! "  I  muttered,  and  laughed  crazily  into  his 

9 


130  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

face.    "  We  are  starving,  master  —  he  is  dead  out  yonder ; 
it 's  my  turn  now !  " 

The  revolving  cloud  of  mist  turned  suddenly  black;  I 
reeled,  striving  vainly  to  retain  my  grasp  on  the  frame  of 
the  door,  and  went  down  heavily,  my  body  half-way  across 
the  threshold. 


CHAPTER   XIII 

I   FORM   ACQUAINTANCE   WITH   OLD  ANSE 

I  DID  not  at  any  time  entirely  lose  consciousness,  yet  I 
retain  very  little  recollection  of  events  immediately  fol- 
lowing my  fall,  and  none  whatever  regarding  those  persons 
ministering  unto  me.  Someone  drew  me  within  the  house, 
his  grasp  more  savage  than  tender,  while  I  distinctly  heard 
him  swear  in  English  at  having  so  unwelcome  a  visitant. 
Then  another,  a  thinner,  more  guttural  voice,  spoke  in  a 
strange  tongue.  There  was  seemingly  an  argument  between 
these  two,  not  altogether  pleasant  judging  from  the  tones 
used,  which  culminated  in  the  sound  of  heavy  footfalls 
across  the  floor,  followed  by  the  slamming  of  a  door  as  if 
in  anger.  Then  a  woman,  as  I  knew  instantly  by  her  touch, 
although  the  hand  was  calloused  and  roughened,  knelt  be- 
side me  where  I  lay  upon  the  floor,  and  pressed  some  soft 
material  beneath  my  head.  A  species  of  liquid  food  was 
next  gently  forced  between  my  teeth,  and  immediately  after 
I  either  slept  or  fainted. 

The  room  was  intensely  dark  when  I  regained  conscious- 
ness, yet  I  could  plainly  distinguish  voices  speaking  in 
guarded  tones  some  distance  away.  The  conversation 
seemed  largely  conducted  in  that  odd,  guttural  tongue  un- 
known to  me  —  no  doubt  some  Indian  dialect  —  but  occa- 
sionally, as  if  in  forgetfulness  of  my  presence,  both  speakers 
would  slip  unconsciously  into  either  French  or  English 
phrasing,  thus  affording  me  some  slight  clue  to  their  thought. 

"  Them  fellers  hev  cum  'long  et  a  dam  bad  time,"  mut- 
tered the  gruffer  tones  hoarsely.  "  I  tell  ye,  Lize,  thar  's  a 


132  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

pot  o'  money  jist  now  et  stake,  pervidin'  we  kin  pull  this  yere 
thing  off  the  way  it 's  bin  planned.  Sich  birdies  as  we  've 
got  in  the  cage  now  don't  fly  'long  this  trail  ivery  day." 

"  I  kno'  thet  jist  as  well  as  you  do,  Anse,  but  whut  them 
fellers  hes  got  ter  dew  with  it,  I  don't  see.  Them  two  hes 
jist  drapped  in  yere  cos  they  wus  starvin'  an'  helpless;  they 
ain't  goin'  ter  dew  no  great  harm  ter  us,  'specially  as  they 
don't  know  nuthin'  'bout  whut 's  goin'  on.  We  kin  drive 
'em  out  ter  hit  the  trail  agin,  long  afore  enything  happens 
yere.  Lord,  they  '11  be  all  right  ter  travel  as  soon  as  they  eat 
a  bit.  So  whut 's  the  great  matter  enyhow  ?  Dew  ye  chance 
ter  know  either  of  'em?  Whut  makes  ye  so  blame  scary 
all  of  a  sudden  ?  " 

"  I  never  seed  thet  big  feller  afore,  an'  sumhow  his  look 
don't  seem  ter  tell  much  about  whut  he  is,  only  he  ain't 
no  coureur  de  bois,  er  I  miss  my  guess.  But  I  've  seed 
thet  other  chap  all  right,  an'  more  ner  oncet."  He  chuckled 
as  if  at  the  recurrence  of  a  pleasant  memory.  "  An'  I  reckon 
es  how  he  hain't  altogether  fergot  neither,  leastwise  not 
them  fifty  francs  whut  he  drapped  inter  my  pocket,  las'  time 
he  wus  yere.  It 's  his  bein'  long  whut  makes  me  sorter  sus- 
picious of  the  other.  He  wus  a  sojer  et  Fort  Chartres  last 
I  knew  of  him,  an'  wus  thrue  yere  two  year  ago  with  thet 
big  Frinch  raidin'  party.  I  tell  ye  sum  sort  o'  trouble  might 
be  a-brewin'  if  them  fellers  are  from  down  thet  way.  Eny- 
how it  don't  look  none  too  gud,  their  happenin'  long  jist  et 
this  time." 

"  Wus  them  other  folks  from  thet  place  ?  " 

"  Thet 's  whut;  an'  sumhow  I  don't  jist  like  havin'  this 
outfit  a  followin'  of  'em  up  so  dam  close.  Maybe  it 's 
luck,  an'  then  agin  maybe  it  hain't.  I  reckon  I  '11  send 
Buck  over  ter  the  island  'bout  sun-up,  so  thar  won't  be  no 
mistake  made  by  them  boys  drappin'  in  yere  too  soon.  Like 
as  not  we  won't  git  rid  of  them  fellers  ter-morrow,  an'  it 
won't  dew  ter  drive  'em  out  till  they  git  a  gud  ready  ter  go." 


I  Form  Acquaintance  with  Old  Anse    133 

"  Why  not  ask  thet  feller  ye  dew  know  whar  they  cum 
from,  an'  whar  they  're  goin'  ?  If  he  's  jist  one  o'  them  com- 
mon Frinch  sojers,  it  ought  ter  be  easy  'nough  ter  pump  him 
dry."  The  woman  laughed,  as  though  she  recalled  some 
such  pleasing  incident,  smothering  the  sound  somewhat 
beneath  the  bed  clothing. 

"  Shet  up  yer  cacklin',  Lize,  er  ye  '11  wake  up  thet  feller 
in  yonder,  dead  gone  es  he  is,"  exclaimed  the  man  roughly. 
"  Ye  hain't  got  no  sense  'bout  sich  things,  if  ye  be  a  Injun. 
Ye  bet  I  did  try  my  darndest  ter  git  thet  matter  out  o'  the 
sojer;  but  he  hain't  thet  kind  —  jist  pertended  he  wus  tew 
weak  ter  talk,  an'  shet  up  his  eyes,  an'  thet  wus  the  end 
of  it." 

"  Must  hav'  hed  orders  then  ter  keep  shet  up  tight ;  them 
Frinch  sojers  will  allers  talk,  'less  their  officers  make  'em 
keep  still.  Tackle  the  other  feller  to-morrow;  ye  allers 
have  a  way  with  ye  whut  ginnerly  fetches  'em." 

"  I  reckon  I  '11  worm  it  out  of  him  afore  I  'm  through," 
yawning  heavily,  but  with  a  satisfaction  in  his  voice  that 
told  he  appreciated  the  compliment.  "  But  I  'm  a-goin'  ter 
sleep  now,  fer  I  've  got  ter  be  a-movin'  et  sun-up." 

Judging  from  the  sound  of  their  breathing  they  were  both 
asleep  long  before  I  was,  for  I  lay  there  thinking  fully  an 
hour  before  I  was  able  to  forget  my  troubles  in  slumber.  I 
paid  but  slight  attention  to  these  overheard  remarks,  as 
they  conveyed  nothing  to  my  mind  other  than  that  natural 
suspicion  regarding  strangers  ever  prevalent  along  the  fron- 
tier. Doubtless  old  Anse  —  judging  from  Cassady's  de- 
scription of  him  —  may  have'  had  some  lawless  scheme  on 
foot,  with  which  he  connected  our  unexpected  appearance, 
but  that  did  not  greatly  interest  me.  Already  I  had  formed 
a  mental  conception  of  our  ungenial  host  —  a  typical  squaw 
man,  no  doubt,  rough,  uncouth,  dirty  in  appearance,  ready 
for  any  safely  committed  crime  which  would  promise  addi- 
tion to  ill-gotten  wealth.  I  cared  nothing  for  him,  nor  for 


134  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

his  good  or  ill  opinion,  yet  rejoiced  that  the  Corporal  had 
kept  a  quiet  tongue;  this  fellow  could  do  us  little  good, 
while  on  the  other  hand  he  might  do  a  deal  of  harm,  and 
it  was  far  safer  to  leave  him  in  the  dark  regarding  our 
purposes.  The  one  thing  which  worried  me  most  was, 
whether  or  not  the  half-breed  and  his  party  had  already 
passed  that  way;  whether  it  would  be  wise  for  me  to  ask 
such  a  question  of  the  ferryman,  and  thus,  to  some  extent, 
reveal  our  mission,  to  be  peddled  out  to  Indian  or  English, 
wherever  old  Anse  might  find  market  for  his  intelligence. 
I  must  assure  myself  as  to  this  fact  if  possible,  in  order  to 
plan  intelligently,  yet  I  naturally  hesitated  to  place  even 
so  small  a  weapon  in  the  possession  of  one  who  might  easily 
prove  a  foe.  An  Indian  runner  would  bear  warning  far 
faster  than  we  could  travel,  and  it  was  an  extremely  simple 
matter  to  hide  a  trail  in  that  wilderness.  I  preferred  to 
fail  through  over-cautiousness,  rather  than  reckless  speech. 
I  would  wait  until  Anse  sought  to  interview  me  in  the 
morning  —  perchance  I  might  gain  the  very  information 
desired,  even  while  filling  him  up  with  some  wildly  con- 
cocted yarn. 

I  was  already  dressed,  and  busily  engaged  upon  a  rasher 
of  bacon  and  eggs,  brought  me  by  the  Indian  squaw,  who 
assumed  ignorance  of  both  French  and  English  on  my 
attempting  to  address  her  in  those  languages,  when  old  Anse 
himself  entered,  and  took  seat  on  the  rough  bench  opposite. 
He  was  so  vastly  different-appearing  a  personage  from 
what  I  had  anticipated  seeing,  that  I  stopped  my  eating  in 
surprise,  and  stared  across  at  him,  imagining  for  the  moment 
some  new  traveller  must  have  arrived.  I  know  nothing  he 
so  greatly  resembled  as  those  odd  Puritan  preachers  I  had 
once  met  in  England  —  a  tall  cadaverous  frame,  clad  in 
an  ill-fitting  suit  of  rusty  black,  a  high  white  stock  about 
the  throat  holding  his  chin  primly  upright;  an  odd-shaped 
head,  running  nearly  to  a  sharp  ridge  along  the  top,  the  hair 


I  Form  Acquaintance  with  Old  Anse     135 

extremely  scant  upon  it,  and  plastered  down  with  grease 
above  the  ears.  The  face  was  remarkably  long,  drawn  down 
at  the  corners  of  the  large  mouth  into  a  sanctimonious 
smile,  while  the  eyes,  which  stared  at  me  unwinkingly,  were 
of  a  pale,  watery  blue,  and  as  cold  and  devoid  of  expression 
as  those  of  a  fish.  While  he  talked,  in  slow,  drawling  tones, 
his  fingers,  white  and  long  like  those  of  a  woman,  but  with 
joints  so  large  as  to  seem  almost  a  disfiguration,  were  con- 
stantly interlaced,  and  his  ungainly  figure  was  not  still  for 
an  instant.  Altogether  he  puzzled  me;  yet  in  spite  of  his 
insinuating  smile  and  unctuous  speech  he  seemed  to  have 
a  slimy  touch,  as  if  somewhere  he  hid  the  soul  of  a  snake 
behind  this  outward  semblance  of  piety.  I  cannot  explain 
fully,  but  his  atmosphere  was  repulsive. 

"  It  is  my  memory,  sir,  that  you  first  addressed  me  in  Eng- 
lish last  evening,"  he  began,  a  sharp  nasal  twang  in  his 
voice  which  gave  it  an  entirely  different  sound  from  the  one 
I  overheard  in  the  dark,  and  using  a  purity  of  language 
that  astonished  me.  "  Undoubtedly  it  is  your  native  tongue, 
so  I  shall  venture  to  direct  my  few  remarks  to  you  in  that 
language,  as  it  is  perfect  familiar  to  me.  If  I  err  pray  do  not 
hesitate  to  correct  me,  for  you  are  not  one  bearing  about  with 
you  the  customary  marks  of  nationality." 

I  bowed,  recognizing  at  once  the  scarcely  concealed  in- 
vitation to  reveal  my  identity,  yet  feeling  more  determined 
than  ever  to  spar  with  his  suave  adroitness. 

"  I  speak  that  language  quite  as  readily  as  any,  but  will 
gladly  hold  converse  in  French  if  you  prefer,"  I  responded 
politely.  "  May  I  inquire  if  you  are  the  one  to  whom  I  am 
indebted  for  all  this  kindness  ?  If  so,  I  trust  to  be  permitted 
to  make  an  early  return." 

I  held  out  my  hand  cordially  across  the  narrow  table,  and 
he  placed  his  own  within  it,  although  not  without  a  momen- 
tary hesitation  which  I  could  not  fail  to  perceive.  His  grip 
was  hard,  evidencing  no  small  degree  of  strength,  yet  there 


136  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

was  about  the  touch  of  his  palm  an  unpleasant,  clammy 
feeling. 

"  I  was  merely  a  most  humble  instrument  in  the  hands  of 
Providence,"  he  returned  with  an  unbecoming  sniffle,  cross- 
ing and  recrossing  his  long  legs  uneasily,  yet  eyeing  me 
meanwhile  with  a  cool  calculation  which  belied  the  angelic 
sweetness  of  his  speech.  "  I  have  ever  held  my  neighbor 
to  be  that  one  who  may  be  in  need,  good  sir,  and  hence  there 
remaineth  small  occasion  for  any  further  conversation  be- 
tween us  relative  to  reward.  I  possess,  it  is  true,  but  very 
little  of  this  world's  goods,  yet  I  trust  ample  store  laid  up 
'  where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  nor  thieves 
break  through  and  steal.'  Let  this  last  act  of  mine  be  like- 
wise accredited  to  me  over  yonder,  friend,  and  we  need 
discuss  it  no  further.  You  are,  indeed,  English  then  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  recall  ever  having  said  so,  but  you  surely  seem 
to  be  of  that  race,  although  it  puzzles  me  greatly  how  you 
continue  to  live  here  in  such  apparent  security,  with  the 
savages  upon  the  war  trail." 

He  chuckled,  rubbing  his  white  hands  together  as  if  he 
washed  them. 

"  I  am  no  partisan  because  of  the  mere  accident  of  birth, 
friend,"  he  responded  softly,  "  but  rather  a  man  of  peace, 
neither  addicted  to  vain  quarrelling  nor  display.  To  me 
all  men  are  brethren,  to  be  met  in  love.  Verily,  they  who 
take  the  sword  shall  perish  by  the  sword,  as  the  good  book 
says;  but  I  keep  upon  terms  of  closest  friendship  with  all 
parties  concerned  in  this  unhappy  struggle,  for  I  have  builded 
my  house  upon  a  rock,  against  which  the  forces  of  hell  must 
break  in  vain.  I  pray  thee,  friend,  to  have  confidence  in  my 
desire  to  be  of  service  to  one  in  extremity,  and  imagine  not 
that  I  am  the  kind  ever  to  betray  the  secrets  of  a  stranger. 
You  travel  these  regions  of  iniquity  upon  the  King's 
business?  " 

"  I  am  serving  under  orders,  yes,"  I  returned  evasively, 


I  Form  Acquaintance  with  Old  Anse     137 

realizing  from  his  persistency  that  I  must  soon  make  some 
account  of  my  presence,  yet  feeling  less  inclined  than  ever 
to  relate  the  truth  for  his  peddling. 

"  From  Fort  Chartres,  no  doubt,  as  I  have  recognized  in 
your  companion  a  soldier  under  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  Some 
two  years  ago  I  sought  with  prayer  and  lamentation  to  show 
him  the  error  of  his  way,  but  fear  my  words  were  as  seed 
sown  upon  stony  ground." 

I  pushed  back  the  now  empty  platter,  and  sat  looking 
steadily  at  him,  determining  my  course  of  action. 

"  My  friend,"  I  said  finally,  as  though  I  had  decided  to 
place  complete  confidence  in  him,  and  leaning  across  the 
table  to  speak  with  greater  show  of  secrecy,  "  although,  as 
you  say,  you  may  strive  to  hold  yourself  unpartisan  in  this 
matter,  because  of  religious  opposition  to  all  strife  with 
carnal  weapons,  yet  it  is  manifestly  impossible  for  one  of 
your  blood  not  to  experience  some  degree  of  sympathy  with 
those  of  your  own  race.  It  is  because  I  believe  this  that  I 
venture  to  yield  you  complete  confidence,  and  shall  relate 
my  tale,  having  no  doubt  that  I  may  safely  rely  upon  your 
assistance." 

It  was  a  strong  temptation  to  laugh  just  to  note  the  smug 
look  of  complacency  which  overspread  the  fellow's  expect- 
ant face,  as  I  pronounced  these  words.  He  attempted  a 
smile  of  rare  good-fellowship,  which  wrinkled  his  little  eyes 
into  mere  gimlet  holes,  and  screwed  up  the  corners  of  his 
mouth  as  though  in  pain. 

"  If  it  seemeth  to  be  the  will  of  the  Lord,  I  shall  ever  be 
found  His  most  obedient  servant,"  he  put  in  humbly,  "  I  am 
but  as  dust  in  the  balance,  a  mere  worm  of  the  earth  to  do 
His  bidding." 

"  Then  certainly  my  plea  can  be  confidently  made,  for  the 
Lord  can  scarcely  be  in  sympathy  with  red  murderers  of 
women  and  children.  I  will  hesitate  no  longer.  I  am  an 
officer  from  Fort  Miami  bearing  verbal  despatches  to  the 


ij8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Commandant  at  Detroit,  if  it  be  found  possible  to  reach  there. 
If  not,  I  am  instructed  to  proceed  farther  eastward  until  I 
meet  with  the  first  considerable  body  of  English  troops. 
What  know  you  of  the  conditions  at  present  surrounding 
the  Detroit  garrison?" 

"  An  English  officer  ?  "  he  questioned,  as  if  in  much  doubt 
as  to  the  truth  of  my  statement.  "  How  comes  it,  then,  that 
you  are  travelling  in  comradeship  with  that  French  soldier  ?  " 

"  Bah !  he  is  not  French  any  more  than  I,  except  by  the 
misfortune  of  enlistment.  You  should  be  able  to  tell  that 
in  a  moment  by  talking  with  him.  He  is  Irish,  and  has 
deserted  from  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  We  met  together  by 
chance  in  the  wilderness." 

I  doubt  if  he  was  fully  convinced  even  then,  yet  he  dis- 
sembled well,  his  face  a  picture  of  complacent  sympathy. 
As  to  myself  I  felt  no  fear  regarding  the  result  of  my  false- 
hood, for  the  papers  at  my  belt  would  prove  ample  protec- 
tion if  he  sought  to  deliver  me  up  into  Indian  hands. 

"  You  will  discover  no  unguarded  trail  leading  to  Detroit," 
he  said  at  last,  forgetful  of  his  twang  in  growing  interest. 
"  Pontiac  has  a  well-organized  army  of  warriors  completely 
investing  the  garrison;  no  Englishman  could  possibly  pass 
through." 

"  Then  you  would  advise  that  we  make  no  attempt  to 
communicate  directly  with  Major  Gladwyn?" 

"  I  advise  that  you  strike  southeast  the  earliest  moment 
you  are  able  to  travel,  to-day  if  possible,  for  parties  of 
Indians  may  visit  here  at  any  time.  You  will  need  to  keep 
clear  of  all  the  beaten  trails.  You  may  find  a  garrison  still 
stationed  at  Sandusky ;  I  do  not  know ;  if  not,  keep  straight 
on  until  you  touch  the  red-coats  somewhere  south  of  the 
lake.  They  are  there  somewhere,  and  in  force,  but  I  have 
never  heard  the  name  of  their  rendezvous.  Think  you,  you 
will  be  sufficiently  recovered  for  such  a  journey  by  dark?" 

His  eager  desire  to  be  early  rid  of  us  was  plainly  apparent, 


I  Form  Acquaintance  with  Old  Anse    139 

and  I  felt  small  desire  to  remain,  provided  we  could  depart 
with  a  proper  outfitting. 

"  You  will  furnish  provisions  for  such  a  journey  ?  " 

The  old  rascal's  face  took  on  a  cunning  expression  as  he 
watched  me,  apparently  thoroughly  convinced  now  as  to  my 
purpose,  and  wondering  to  what  extent  he  might  venture  to 
bleed  us  safely. 

"  There  is  very  little  to  be  had,"  with  a  return  to  the  nasal 
whine,  "  and  the  cost  is  high,  now  that  the  savages  are  upon 
the  warpath;  yet  we  might,  by  robbing  ourselves,  furnish 
you  with  sufficient  meal  and  meat  for  some  days.  No  doubt 
if  we  run  short,  in  some  way  the  Lord  will  provide,  even  as 
He  fed  another  prophet  in  the  wilderness.  Yet  I  would  not 
feel  justified  in  doing  this  for  any  other  than  one  of  my 
own  nation,  and  am  truly  ashamed  to  even  ask  of  you  the 
price  these  commodities  are  really  worth." 

"It  is  a  government  necessity,  so  the  cost  need  not  dis- 
tress you." 

His  face  smoothed  out  as  though  a  hot  iron  had  been  run 
over  it.  Its  expression  became  so  effusively  cordial  and  full 
of  satisfaction,  that  I  ventured  the  one  question  I  desired 
most  to  ask. 

"  Have  you  had  other  white  travellers  to  entertain  of 
late?" 

His  unpleasant  smirk  faded  instantly  into  the  old  sus- 
picion, his  voice  more  pronounced  in  that  nasal  sound  I 
was  beginnig  to  associate  with  an  attempt  at  cunning  eva- 
sion. He  was  like  a  cuttle-fish,  surrounding  himself  with  a 
cloud  at  the  least  intimation  of  danger. 

"  'T  is  indeed  most  dull  these  days  of  war,"  was  his  cau- 
tious response,  his  fingers  interlocking  nervously.  "  There 
will  be  weeks  at  a  stretch  when  no  one  has  need  to  cross  the 
river,  save  now  and  then  a  party  of  Pontiac's  warriors  bound 
north  with  English  captives.  It  is  an  age  since  any  traveller 
this  way  has  been  of  the  kind  to  wrestle  with  me  in  prayer 


140  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

before  the  throne  of  grace.  Verily,  I  hunger  and  thirst 
after  spiritual  companionship.  Are  you,  good  sir,  of  the 
true  faith,  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints  ?  " 

"  I  am  a  Christian,  if  that  be  your  meaning,"  I  answered, 
scarcely  able  to  respond  civilly  to  such  open  cant,  yet  deter- 
mined to  humor  him  for  the  important  end  in  view.  "  Yet 
you  do  not  answer,  whether  other  whites  have  been  over 
this  trail  of  late?" 

A  moment  the  fellow  sat  unwinking,  then  he  decided  upon 
the  bolder  course,  thinking  possibly  that  I  already  suspected 
the  truth. 

"  There  was  a  queer  mixed  party  here  yesterday  about 
dawn  bound  for  Detroit." 

"  But  you  said  it  was  impossible  for  any  whites  to  reach 
Detroit  ? " 

"  Oh,  this  was  different  —  the  leader  bore  letters  from 
Monsieur  de  Villiers,  at  Fort  Chartres,  bidding  Pontiac  pass 
him  and  his  party  safely.  They  departed  at  once,  after 
taking  but  a  single  meal  here." 

Although  trembling  from  excitement,  I  forced  my  teeth 
cruelly  into  the  flesh  of  my  lip,  and  thus  repressed  all  out- 
ward signs,  fully  cognizant  of  his  keen  eyes  upon  me,  while 
I  strove  vainly  to  decide  just  how  much  of  truth  lay  in  his 
words.  Beyond  doubt  Black  Peter  had  visited  there,  or  else 
old  Anse  would  never  have  known  of  such  a  party  being 
along  the  trail  —  but  had  he  really  proceeded  onward  to 
Detroit?  Who  composed  his  company?  How  had  they 
succeeded  in  reaching  this  point  so  soon? 

"  They  must  have  possessed  greater  knowledge  of  the 
Kankakee  than  I,  to  safely  keep  the  channel  through  such 
a  swamp  of  mystery,"  I  ventured  carelessly.  "  Certes,  the 
rains  have  swollen  it  out  of  all  natural  bounds,  and  left  that 
entire  region  a  perfect  labyrinth  of  uncharted  water." 

"  Their  leader  said  word  of  such  a  condition  reached  him 
while  yet  below  on  the  Illinois,  so  he  travelled  the  northern 


I  Form  Acquaintance  with  Old  Anse      141 

route,  skirting  the  upper  lake  to  the  mouth  of  the  Saint 
Joseph,  and  from  thence  making  portage  to  the  Raisin.  He 
reached  here  by  boat,  for  he  had  the  care  of  women." 

"  And  they  passed  directly  on,  you  say  ?  Saint  George ! 
it  would  have  been  a  fine  thing  could  I  have  only  arrived 
in  time  to  join  them,  thus  going  in  under  their  protection." 

"  I  doubt  it,"  dryly.  "  Their  leader  was  a  veritable  son 
of  Belial,  a  child  of  wrath  and  sin  incarnate.  I  was  glad 
enough  to  see  him  shake  the  dust  of  this  place  from  off  his 
feet." 

I  sat  staring  gloomily  into  the  fireplace,  utterly  forgetful 
as  to  the  other's  presence.  I  sincerely  rejoiced  at  thus  being 
assured  regarding  the  safety  of  Mademoiselle  and  her  com- 
panion, yet  my  rejoicing  was  unquestionably  tinged  with 
vague  regret.  How  could  it  be  otherwise,  for  all  along  that 
journey  I  had  been  dreaming  dreams  of  meeting  her  once 
more,  of  creating  a  better  standing  in  her  estimation  than 
could  ever  be  accorded  to  a  nameless  coureur  de  bois.  Her 
fair  face  arose  before  me  as  clear  cut  as  if  I  once  again  saw 
it  in  the  flesh,  and  I  sighed  to  think  that  now,  my  last 
opportunity  gone,  it  was  hardly  possible  we  should  ever  meet 
again.  This  knowledge  was  pain  to  me,  more  of  pain  than 
I  had  ever  before  experienced  over  any  final  parting  with  a 
woman.  Suddenly,  as  I  thus  communed  with  my  own  heart, 
utterly  lost  to  all  else  save  love  and  memory,  Anse  sprang 
to  his  feet  so  hastily  as  instantly  to  startle  me  out  of  reverie. 
His  eyes  were  fastened  upon  the  open  door,  and  there  was 
hot  anger  in  them. 

"Why  come  you  in  here?"  he  cried  sharply,  the  Puri- 
tanical twang  entirely  gone  from  his  voice,  now  grown 
rough  and  coarse  in  tone.  "  Can't  a  man  run  his  own 
shebang,  and  lodge  his  guests  where  he  pleases?  Dam 
you,  is  this  your  house  or  mine,  that  you  go  sneaking  around 
wherever  you  like?  " 

"  3hure  now,  Mister  Anse,  ye  niver  mint  for  to  kape  me 


142  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

out  thar  wid  the  pigs  an'  cows  all  the  toime.  I  thought  ye 
wus  a-foolin'  about  it  —  I  did,  be  hivins."  It  was  Cassady's 
insinuating  voice,  and  I  welcomed  him  with  a  quick  glance. 
"  Bedad,  I  wus  thet  fearful  thet  me  frind  here  hed  caught 
the  measles,  er  sum  other  aqually  deadly  disease,  an'  ye  wus 
a-tryin'  to  hide  it  from  me,  thet  I  jist  cud  n't  kape  away 
from  him  any  longer."  He  sniffed  the  air  like  a  pointer 
dog.  "  Brakefast,  as  I  live,  an'  fat  bacon  et  thet,  an'  I 
hav  n't  hed  so  much  es  a  sop  all  this  marnin'.  Be  the 
powers,  ye  slab-sided  ould  thafe,  I  wud  ate,  an'  a  gud  lot 
et  oncet." 

"If  you  will  go  back  to  the  place  assigned  you,  and  not 
bother  this  gentleman  any  longer,  I  '11  see  that  you  have 
food  without  delay,"  said  Anse,  glancing  uneasily  toward 
me,  and  apparently  undecided  as  to  what  had  best  be  done. 
Cassady  stood  staring  at  him,  his  face  still  bearing  plainly 
the  marks  of  recent  hardship,  yet  with  a  bit  of  the  old  dare- 
devil roguery  in  his  eyes. 

"  Thin  orther  it,  ye  psalm-singin'  ould  baste,"  he  ex- 
claimed abruptly.  "  Fer  niver  will  I  dasart  this  foine  stra- 
tegic position  till  I  know  ivery  thing  is  riddy  fer  to  fill 
me  up." 

For  an  instant  Anse  hesitated,  seemingly  unwilling  for 
some  reason  to  leave  us  alone  together,  even  for  the  brief 
space  required  for  such  an  errand.  Then  he  stepped  across 
to  the  door,  and  with  head  thrust  forward,  called  out  the 
order  to  someone  just  beyond  our  view.  Brief  as  was  this 
respite  it  proved  amply  sufficient  to  serve  the  Corporal's 
purpose.  Leaning  toward  me,  he  muttered  quickly: 

"  There  's  sumbody  hild  prisoner  in  thet  west  wing,  sorr, 
an'  I  belave  it 's  a  woman." 


CHAPTER   XIV 

THE   SHADOW   OF   A    MYSTERY 

I  STARED  blankly  after  the  two  of  them  as  they  left 
the  room  together,  Cassady  winking  carelessly  back  at 
me  across  his  guardian's  shoulder,  evidently  convinced  he 
had  performed  the  entire  scope  of  duty  in  thus  acquainting 
me  with  those  dim  suspicions.  But,  even  if  they  proved  well 
founded,  was  it  at  all  likely  to  be  any  of  my  affair?  Each 
crawling  movement,  each  deceptive  speech,  of  this  phari- 
saical  old  Anse  caused  me  to  repose  less  confidence  in  him, 
to  feel  more  and  more  that  he  was  merely  seeking  to  mis- 
lead me  by  every  specious  lie  he  could  manufacture.  Yet 
I  could  discover  no  satisfactory  reason  for  such  conduct. 
Possibly  this  might  be  it  —  a  secret  he  was  fearful  lest  we 
by  chance  penetrate;  a  secret,  and,  if  a  secret,  then,  no 
doubt,  a  crime.  I  recalled  those  windows  with  the  stout 
oaken  slabs  securely  nailed  across  them,  dimly  observed  as 
I  staggered  weakly  toward  the  door  the  evening  previous. 
That  must  have  been  the  west  wing,  for  there  were  no  such 
slabs  here.  If  they  concealed  a  prisoner,  and  that  prisoner 
was  indeed  a  woman,  did  this  vague  knowledge  bring  to  me 
any  direct  duty  to  ferret  out  more  as  to  her  identity,  and 
the  reason  for  such  imprisonment?  Would  mere  curiosity 
on  my  part  justify  any  violent  attempt  to  solve  the  mystery? 
Pardieu!  the  situation  was  somewhat  of  a  puzzle  all  around. 
I  presume  it  was  largely  my  cordial  detestation  of  old  Anse, 
with  his  psalm-quoting  used  as  a  cloak  for  meanness,  which 
determined  my  procedure.  Yes,  by  all  the  saints !  If  I  could 
checkmate  him  in  any  villany  I  would  do  so  for  the  mere 
pleasure  of  it. 


144  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

I  stole  upon  tiptoe  toward  the  partially  open  door,  and 
peered  cautiously  forth.  The  log  house  was  a  large  one, 
and  had  been  built  in  two  distinct  sections,  although  under 
one  roof,  having  a  wide,  covered  passageway  extending 
between.  This  latter  room,  for  such  it  virtually  was,  ap- 
peared to  be  utilized  for  domestic  purposes,  and  an  Indian 
squaw,  old  Anse's  aboriginal  partner  no  doubt,  was  busily 
engaged  upon  some  household  task  just  inside  the  rear  exit. 
There  could  be  no  passing  by  her  without  observation,  and 
the  door,  which  evidently  opened  into  the  west  wing,  was 
securely  closed,  a  stout  oaken  bar  clamped  across  it.  The 
very  sight  of  so  unusual  a  precaution  developed  into  an 
absolute  certainty  that  suspicion  which  Cassady  had  im- 
planted in  my  mind  —  there  was  some  mystery  hidden  here, 
possibly  a  black  and  damnable  one,  and  the  knowledge 
clinched  my  purpose  instantly.  Nothing  now  urged  our 
early  departure ;  I  would  stay  and  probe  to  the  very  bottom 
the  dark  secret  of  that  barred  west  wing. 

Yet  this  resolve  was  far  easier  to  make  than  to  execute. 
Old  Anse  was  in  and  out  of  the  room  I  occupied,  all  day, 
evidencing  a  degree  of  anxiety  which  merely  served  to  con- 
vince me  that  something  of  the  utmost  importance  must  be 
on  foot.  Glancing  out  of  the  narrow  window  I  twice  beheld 
him  standing  alone  on  the  river  bank,  gazing  steadfastly 
northward,  as  though  in  eager  expectation  of  some  early 
arrival.  His  spasmodic  conversations  with  me  were  oddly 
mixed  —  one  moment  he  was  the  whining,  hypocritical, 
canting  exhorter,  his  language  a  medley  of  perverted  scrip- 
ture; the  next  he  was  a  growling  ruffian,  brutal  and  blas- 
phemous. Somehow  I  liked  him  far  better  in  this  latter 
role;  it  seemed  more  like  an  honest  revelation  of  what  I 
deemed  to  be  the  real  man.  Through  all  of  it  I  felt  he  was 
extremely  anxious  for  us  to  depart,  but  I  successfully  put 
this  off  on  plea  of  continued  weakness,  humoring  him  as 
best  I  might,  while  ever  seeking  for  some  opportunity  to 


The  Shadow  of  a  Mystery  145 

slip  through  his  lines  of  guard.  Once  he  discovered  me 
prowling  about  in  the  passageway,  and  stalked  up  to  where 
I  stood,  his  hands  clinched,  his  face  black  with  sudden 
passion. 

"  What  in  'tarnation  are  you  doin'  out  yere?  "  he  demanded 
roughly,  and  I  drew  back  a  step,  thinking  he  intended  to 
strike  me.  "  Hain't  thet  room  in  thar  big  'nough  fer  a  sick 
man  ter  move  'bout  in  ?  If  travellin'  is  so  blame  easy,  thar  's 
all  outdoors  a-waitin'  fer  ye." 

"  I  was  seeking  water,"  I  answered,  contemptuously 
ignoring  his  threatening  words  and  manner.  "  There  is 
fever  in  my  blood  which  makes  me  crave  drink." 

The  expression  of  utter  indifference  on  my  face  calmed 
his  suspicion. 

"  Thar  's  the  gourd,"  he  muttered,  ungraciously  enough, 
yet  evidently  feeling  it  better  to  let  me  have  my  way,  "  an' 
the  spring  is  jist  under  the  bank  out  yonder.  I  reckon 
ye  're  strong  'nough  ter  help  yerself ." 

He  walked  to  the  spot  indicated  alongside  of  me,  mutter- 
ing a  word  or  two  about  the  grave  danger  of  the  times,  and 
his  feeling  the  necessity  of  exercising  caution  with  strangers, 
but  I  paid  small  heed  to  his  poor  apology,  my  eyes  and 
thoughts  busy  with  a  hastily  conceived  plan.  I  drank  the 
water  slowly,  standing  with  back  toward  the  river,  my  rapid 
glance  making  mental  picture  of  each  detail  of  that  exposed 
west  wing  —  the  rived  shingles  of  the  low,  gently  sloping 
roof,  the  unbroken  expanse  of  heavy  logs,  pointed  with 
mud,  which  formed  the  north  wall,  the  single  narrow  window 
facing  the  west,  so  thoroughly  barred  by  strips  of  hardwood 
as  to  utterly  prohibit  entrance,  together  with  the  rude  out- 
side chimney  near  the  corner,  built  solidly  of  rocks  cemented 
together  in  rough  but  effective  frontier  fashion.  It  looked 
an  impenetrable  fortress  for  one  who  must  attack  it  in 
silence,  if  at  all,  and  without  aid  of  tools.  In  fact  I  could 
perceive  but  one  possibility  of  entrance,  and  that  the  most 


146  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

slender.  Both  wings  rested  upon  slight  piling,  round  tree- 
trunks  having  been  used  to  build  upon,  thus  lifting  the 
body  of  the  house  above  reach  of  overflowing  water  in  time 
of  Spring  freshets.  This  slight  space,  thus  left  between  the 
ground  and  floor,  had  been  solidly  banked  up  with  earth, 
yet  there  were  spots  here  and  there  where  the  loosened  dirt 
had  fallen  away,  revealing  sufficient  room  between  for  the 
entrance  of  a  man's  body. 

I  walked  back,  to  what  was  proving  little  better  than  my 
own  prison,  with  this  memory  in  mind  —  revolving  it  over 
and  over  again,  hopeful  that  some  suggestion  might  result. 
Anse  did  not  follow  me  into  the  room,  but  I  heard  his  voice 
without  in  the  passageway  talking  earnestly  to  the  squaw.  It 
was  scarcely  more  than  a  low  growl  that  reached  me  where 
I  had  flung  myself  down  upon  the  bench,  but  a  chance 
word  or  two,  which  I  happened  to  distinguish,  brought  me 
instantly  to  my  feet,  and  I  stole  noiselessly  to  the  door. 

"  I  reckon  we  '11  hev  ter  put  up  with  the  critters  till 
mornin',"  he  grumbled,  and  I  knew  from  the  direction  of 
his  voice  he  must  be  standing  close  beside  the  outer  door- 
way. "  Thar 's  no  gittin'  rid  of  the  dam  fools,  short  o' 
drivin'  'em  out  with  a  gun.  An'  if  thet  Injun  boy  don't  git 
back  yere  afore  dark,  I  reckon  I  '11  hav'  ter  trapes  out  es  fer 
as  the  crick  crossin'  ter  head  off  the  gang  if  they  should 
happen  along  ternight,  as  I  sorter  'spect  they  will.  Be  jist 
my  blame  luck.  Confound  these  fellers,  drappin'  in  yere 
jis'  now;  I  cud  git  'long  with  thet  little  red-headed  sojer 
chap  all  right,  fer  I  reckon  thet  nobody  'd  miss  him  eny 
great  shakes  if  he  did  disappear  sudden-like;  but  I  don't 
know  jist  whut  ter  make  of  thet  thar  other  feller  —  he  's 
got  a  sorter  way  with  him  as  keeps  me  guessin'.  Enyhow, 
he 's  a  blame  good  liar,  I  'm  plumb  sure  o'  thet." 

"  Ye  must  be  gittin'  old,  an'  mighty  easy  skeered  these 
days,"  snapped  his  companion  tartly,  and  I  heard  the  bang 
of  a  dish  on  the  floor  as  if  she  sought  thus  to  better  express 


her  disgust.  "  I  reckon  ye  was  n't  so  squeamish  a  bit  ago. 
What  if  he  should  be  an  English  officer?  They  don't  count 
fer  much  round  yere  jist  now,  es  fer  es  I  kin  see.  Why  not 
let  them  Injuns  hev  the  whole  bloody  lot  ter  take  back  with 
'em,  when  they  cum  fer  them  others  ?  Thet  's  the  easiest 
way  out  o'  the  mess." 

Old  Anse  chuckled  grimly,  and  I  could  hear  him  pat  his 
leg  with  his  hand. 

"  I  don't  reckon  I  '11  put  no  great  objection  in  the  way  o' 
it,  old  woman,"  he  returned  shortly,  and  evidently  delighted 
with  the  humor  of  the  thought.  "  But  I  don't  keer  fer  them 
to  git  sight  o'  the  boys  till  the  game  is  ready  ter  be  played 
out  fer  fair.  I  reckon  from  the  looks  o'  thet  big  feller  in 
yonder,  thar  '11  be  one  hell  o'  a  fight  put  up  afore  he  'd  let  go, 
an'  thet  hain't  whut  I  want  round  this  shebang.  I'm  ready 
'nough  ter  do  my  share,  but  thar  hain't  goin'  ter  be  no 
fightin'  if  I  kin  help  it." 

There  was  a  movement  as  if  they  were  changing  posi- 
tions, and  I  hastily  drew  back,  making  for  my  seat  upon 
the  bench  once  more.  As  I  thus  stepped  quickly,  one  of 
the  puncheon  slabs  under  foot  rocked  beneath  my  weight, 
as  though  loosened  from  its  primitive  fastenings.  A  mo- 
ment later  the  broad-faced  squaw  passed  the  door  of  the 
room,  glancing  in  suspiciously  with  her  snaky  eyes  as  she 
did  so,  and  then  I  heard  her  speaking  to  old  Anse  outside 
the  house.  With  heart  throbbing  in  hope  of  important  dis- 
covery, I  bent  over,  worked  my  fingers  into  the  slight 
crevice,  and  pried  at  the  loosened  slab.  It  yielded,  not 
wholly  in  silence,  yet  so  thoroughly  that  I  was  soon  able 
to  insert  my  head  into  the  narrow  orifice,  and  gain  partial 
view  beneath.  There  was  a  space  below  of  fully  two  feet 
in  height,  while  a  faint  bar  of  light  streaming  in  from  some 
distant  opening,  proved  there  must  be  a  clear  way  leading 
out.  I  dropped  the  heavy  puncheon  back  into  its  position, 
and  sat  down  upon  the  bench  to  think. 


148  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

If  there  were  loose  puncheons  in  this  floor,  why  should 
there  not  be  in  the  other  also  ?  The  house  was  old,  the  rough 
slabs,  originally  ill  matched,  had  been  cleaved  out  by  the  axe 
and  poorly  dried,  while  wooden  pegs  had  been  utilized  in 
place  of  nails  to  hold  them  in  position.  Besides,  lifting 
from  beneath  would  afford  me  sufficient  purchase  to  tear 
away  any  ordinary  fastenings,  only  I  must  avoid  making 
noise  which  would  arouse  alarm.  By  Saint  Denis !  I  would 
try  it.  The  more  I  overheard  of  old  Anse's  plans  the  stronger 
grew  the  conviction  within  me  that  some  rare  deviltry  was 
being  hatched  for  early  consummation,  and  it  assuredly  cen- 
tred about  this  mystery  of  the  barred  west  wing.  Curiosity, 
if  no  higher  motive,  drove  me  resistlessly  forward,  and 
then  I  felt  it  would  be  a  fine  pleasure  to  circumvent  that 
whining  hypocrite  in  his  villany. 

Certes,  he  was  restless  enough  all  the  day  long,  his  agita- 
tion perceptibly  increasing  as  the  hours  drew  on  toward  even- 
ing, and  no  messenger  darkened  the  sky-line  to  the  north- 
ward. He  must  have  been  out  upon  the  river  bank  fully 
twenty  times  that  afternoon,  peering  anxiously  over  the 
water ;  twice  he  made  the  trip  across  in  his  cumbersome  old 
scow,  and  climbed  the  opposite  bank,  and  even  the  ridge  of 
higher  land  beyond.  Once  I  saw  him  talking  with  Cassady, 
but  I  was  unable  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  latter,  or 
get  him  close  enough  for  the  exchange  of  a  hurried  word. 
In  truth  I  clung  to  my  bench  pretty  tightly,  trusting  thus 
to  better  bear  out  my  story  of  continued  weakness.  Anse 
dropped  in  every  few  minutes,  sometimes  merely  to  walk 
across  the  floor,  and  then  again  to  sit  down,  making  an 
endeavor  to  converse.  But  I  encouraged  him  little,  for  I 
hated  to  hear  his  blaspheming  mouth  give  utterance  to 
sacred  words,  and  he  waxed  more  and  more  into  the  habit 
as  the  day  waned,  his  shifty  eyes  ever  on  the  window  and 
those  low  hills  beyond.  There  were  times,  as  I  listened 
helplessly  to  his  nasal  droning,  when  I  felt  it  a  struggle 


The  Shadow  of  a  Mystery  149 

to  keep  my  hands  off  the  slimy  rascal,  with  his  smirk  and  his 
smoothly  plastered  hair.  Saint  Andrew!  it  would  have 
pleasured  me  greatly  to  smite  him  across  those  lying  lips, 
and  have  done  with  it  all. 

He  was  yet  moping  about  the  house  when  night  fell,  and 
although  they  first  carefully  closed  the  door  to  my  room, 
I  was  convinced  I  heard  the  bar  opposite  taken  down,  and 
a  vessel  of  some  sort  slid  in  along  the  puncheon  floor.  No 
doubt  it  contained  food  for  whoever  was  confined  therein, 
although  no  faintest  sound  of  voices  reached  me.  It  must 
have  been  an  hour  later  that  I  overheard  him  growl  some- 
thing in  the  passage-way,  and  then  the  outer  door  closed 
heavily,  as  if  beneath  the  touch  of  an  angry  hand.  I  stole 
softly  toward  the  window,  and  peered  cautiously  forth  — 
there  was  a  smudge  of  black  as  he  tramped  down  to  the 
bank  of  the  river;  then  I  distinguished  the  splash  of  the 
long  pole  as  he  forced  his  unwieldly  boat  across  the  stream. 
The  long-awaited  moment  for  action  had  at  last  arrived. 

Beyond  question  the  squaw  had  been  left  on  guard  over 
me,  yet  the  chances  were  extremely  small  that  she  would 
feel  called  upon  to  invade  the  room.  I  was  known  to  be  safe 
enough  within,  the  window  far  too  narrow  to  admit  the  pas- 
sage of  my  body,  with  no  exit  save  through  that  outer 
hallway.  She  would,  most  likely,  content  herself  by  safe- 
guarding that  until  old  Anse  returned ;  besides,  she  had  no 
reason  to  suspect  I  contemplated  any  movement.  Silently 
I  uplifted  the  loosened  slab,  and  after  listening  intently  for 
the  slightest  sound,  either  within  or  without,  lowered  myself 
slowly  into  that  black  aperture  beneath,  my  sole  weapon 
the  hunting-knife  at  my  belt. 

It  was  an  awkward,  contracted  space  in  which  to  operate, 
and  I  was  compelled  to  move  slowly  and  with  the  greatest 
caution.  I  had  previously  located  in  my  mind  the  direction 
from  whence  the  light  had  streamed,  and  now,  as  I  drew 
near,  I  was  guided  somewhat  by  the  soft  sighing  of  the 


1 50  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

night  wind  through  the  slight  opening.  It  required  consid- 
erable exertion  to  squeeze  my  body  through,  yet  I  finally 
accomplished  it,  by  much  wriggling,  and  rested  at  full  length 
in  the  weeds  outside,  breathing  heavily  from  labor  and  ex- 
citement. A  moment  I  hesitated,  wondering  if  I  could  dis- 
cover the  whereabouts  of  Cassady  amid  all  that  darkness; 
then,  dismissing  the  thought  as  far  too  venturesome  an  ex- 
periment, crept  silently  forward  upon  my  stomach,  dragging 
my  body  inch  by  inch  toward  those  darker  shadows  of  the 
west  wing.  As  I  thus  passed  the  slightly  opened  door  lead- 
ing into  the  covered  passageway  from  the  rear,  I  lifted  my 
head  until  I  could  peer  with  one  eye  across  the  threshold. 
There  was  a  bit  of  candle  sputtering  in  its  tin  socket  against 
the  wall,  throwing  fitful  gleams  of  yellow  light  amid  the 
black  shades  shrouding  everything  beyond  its  dim  radius. 
I  could  distinguish  nothing  moving,  yet  I  heard  the  creak- 
ing of  a  rope  bed,  and  felt  no  doubt  the  tired  squaw  was 
doing  her  trick  at  guard  comfortably  lying  down,  serenely 
confident  no  person  could  creep  unobserved  past  her  point 
of  vantage.  Thus  far  the  venture  had  proven  sufficiently 
easy;  if  God  speeded  it,  I  should  very  soon  uncover  old 
Anse's  trick,  and,  mayhap,  set  free  some  hapless  victim  of 
frontier  brutality. 

I  crept  half-way  around  that  west  wing,  keeping  well 
under  cover  of  those  thick  weeds,  before  I  discovered  an 
opening  sufficiently  large  through  which  I  might  force  my 
body  into  that  narrow  black  vacancy  extending  beneath 
the  floor.  Then  I  advanced  with  caution  on  hands  and 
knees,  feeling  my  path  along  the  uneven  and  slightly  damp 
ground,  fearful  lest  I  strike  some  unknown  obstacle  in  the 
darkness.  As  I  thus  progressed  I  tested,  as  silently  as 
possible,  the  puncheon  slabs  overhead,  pressing  them  up- 
ward with  my  hand,  even  striving  to  loosen  them  by  prying 
into  their  intricacies  with  the  stout  point  of  my  knife.  I 
met  with  small  success,  however,  until  I  had  traversed 


The  Shadow  of  a  Mystery  151 

almost  the  entire  width  of  the  building,  and  was  already 
resting -close  against  the  southern  wall.  Here  my  groping 
fingers  encountered  a  slab  which  yielded  so  readily  to  the 
pressure  that  I  was  enabled  to  push  it  gently  aside,  inch  by 
inch,  sliding  it  across  the  rough  face  of  its  mate  so  silently 
that  even  I  myself  could  scarcely  detect  the  faint  sound  of 
its  passage. 

Accomplishing  this  feat  I  paused,  listening  intently  for 
some  sign  of  movement,  or  presence,  in  that  room  above. 
No  sound  reached  me,  except  the  rapid  thumping  of  my  own 
heart,  and  I  ventured  upon  passing  my  head  cautiously 
through  the  aperture.  All  appeared  wrapt  in  profound 
silence  and  darkness,  yet  I  noted  gladly  the  light  of  the 
distant  rising  moon  streaming  through  the  window  in  a  nar- 
row ribbon  of  silver  across  the  floor.  It  merely  served  to 
render  the  surrounding  gloom  more  profound,  the  utter 
quietness  more  sombre.  I  drew  myself  up,  the  knife  gripped 
now  between  my  teeth,  uncertain  what  I  should  find  con- 
fronting me  within,  and  a  bit  awed  by  this  solemn  mystery. 
Little  by  little  I  mastered  the  distance,  until  I  rested  securely 
upon  one  knee.  Then  suddenly,  something  white  swept 
into  the  faint  moon-gleam;  I  caught  the  ominous  glitter 
of  a  pistol  barrel  within  an  inch  of  my  eyes,  and  instinc- 
tively shrank  down  from  before  it. 

"  Go  back,  you  coward !  "  said  a  voice  sharply.  "  Go 
back,  or  I'll  kill  you!" 


CHAPTER   XV 

WHAT   I   FOUND   IN   THE   WEST   WING 

THRILLED  as  it  was  with  excitement,  it  was  undoubt- 
edly the  voice  of  a  woman.  Yet  such  knowledge 
brought  small  comfort  in  the  circumstances,  and  I  spoke 
quickly,  fearful  lest  her  very  terror  might  result  in  an 
inadvertent  pressure  upon  the  trigger. 

"  I  am  here  as  your  friend ;  I  beg  you,  do  not  fire  until  you 
hear  me." 

The  menacing  pistol  barrel  was  not  lowered,  but  a  slight 
quaver  of  doubt  sounded  in  the  softened  voice. 

"  A  friend  ?     Then  name  yourself ;    are  you  English  ?  " 

"  No,"  I  answered  frankly,  yet  now  using  that  tongue  in 
hope  it  might  help  to  calm  and  reassure  her,  "  yet  willing 
enough  to  sacrifice  in  your  cause,  if  by  any  chance  you  are 
surrounded  by  danger " 

Before  I  had  completed  the  sentence  a  second  figure  — 
slight  and  misty  in  that  dim  light  —  swept  ghostlike  across 
the  pale  moonbeam,  while  a  hand  grasped  the  arm  extending 
the  pistol. 

"  Do  not  fire ! "  exclaimed  a  second  voice,  sounding  clear 
as  a  bell.  "  As  I  live,  it  must  be  that  very  coureur  de  bois 
with  whom  you  danced  back  at  Chartres."  She  peered  down 
eagerly,  seeking  clearer  glimpse  at  my  shrouded  face.  "  Am 
I  not  right,  Monsieur?  You  are  that  Raoul  de  Coubert?  " 

"  I  am,  indeed,  Mademoiselle,"  and  I  cannot  tell  how 
my  heart  leaped  at  this  sudden  revelation  of  their  identity. 
"  Yet  I  dreamed  not  who  you  might  prove  to  be  .until  you 
spoke." 


What  I  Found  in  the  West  Wing        153 

For  an  instant  there  was  utter  silence  between  us;  then 
the  younger  touched  me  softly  with  her  hand,  in  that  de- 
lightfully impetuous  way  she  ever  had,  as  though  thus  doubly 
to  assure  herself  as  to  my  real  presence. 

"  In  faith,  I  can  scarcely  believe  it  true  even  now,"  she 
exclaimed,  her  voice  vibrant  with  unconcealed  pleasure. 
"  Why,  we  have  travelled  ages  since  we  parted  that  far-away 
night  in  old  Chartres.  How  strange  it  is  that  we  should  meet 
here  once  again  upon  the  very  edge  of  the  wilderness.  Is 
it  not  most  peculiar,  Monsieur  ?  " 

I  glanced  at  her  companion,  who  remained  standing  like  a 
white  statue  in  the  moonbeam,  her  eyes,  filled  with  doubt 
and  perplexity,  fastened  upon  my  face,  her  lips  parted  as 
though  she  would  speak,  yet  yielding  no  utterance.  Her 
expression  of  uncertainty  taught  me  the  necessity  of  frank- 
ness, the  impotence  of  attempting  deceit. 

"  It  would  indeed  have  been  nearly  a  miracle,  had  all  been 
left  to  chance,  Mademoiselle,"  I  returned,  gaining  my  feet 
now,  and  marking  as  I  did  so  how  Mistress  Alene  drew 
instantly  back,  as  if  fearful  of  contact  with  me,  drawing 
daintily  aside  her  skirt  with  a  hand  in  which  the  pistol 
barrel  yet  glimmered  faintly.  Then  my  eyes  settled  upon  the 
arch  face  of  my  questioner,  turned  to  me  in  the  moonlight. 
"  Yet  the  honest  truth  is,  that  I  have  been  anxiously  search- 
ing for  you,  and  there  are  not  so  many  waterways  stretching 
between  here  and  the  Illinois  country  as  to  make  our  meeting 
so  very  wonderful  under  those  circumstances." 

"  But  you  said  scarce  a  moment  ago  that  you  did  not 
even  know  we  were  in  this  room,"  interposed  Mademoiselle 
Alene  coldly.  "  Monsieur's  stories  have  very  faint  sem- 
blance to  truth,  if  they  are  all  like  this  one." 

I  barely  glanced  aside  at  her,  although  I  bowed  as  I 
returned  brief  reply. 

"  It  is  true  I  knew  not  who  was  confined  here ;  it  is  equally 
true  that  I  have  sought  to  meet  you  again  ever  since  your 


154          A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

journey  began.  Even  a  coureur  de  bois  may  feel  hurt  at 
having  his  word  doubted,  Mademoiselle,  and  I  repeat  that  I 
have  been  seeking  you." 

"  Seeking  us  ?  "  broke  in  Rene,  ignoring  all  else  in  her 
quick  surprise.  "  And  for  what  purpose,  Monsieur?  " 

I  looked  into  the  dark  wonder  of  her  questioning  eyes, 
and  the  piquant  beauty  of  her  face,  as  thus  revealed  by  that 
dim  lighting,  appealed  to  me  with  sudden  newness. 

"  Because  I  gravely  feared  the  occurrence  of  this  very 
thing  which  has  apparently  already  come  to  pass  —  the  foul 
treachery  of  that  •  half-breed  whom  you  trusted." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  tell  us,  Monsieur,  that  you  have  travelled 
all  these  leagues  because  of  this  ?  " 

"  No ;  I  had  other  work  to  accomplish  in  this  same  quar- 
ter; yet  that  possibility  has  never  been  long  absent  from 
my  mind,  and  I  have  consequently  been  watchful  for  you." 

She  drew  yet  closer  toward  me,  and  I  knew  she  was 
intently  studying,  as  well  as  the  dim  light  would  admit, 
the  expression  upon  my  face. 

"  It  is  most  strange  you  should  feel  such  deep  interest, 
for  we  have  met  only  once,  and  may  scarcely  claim  that 
as  an  acquaintance,"  she  said  at  length,  her  voice  low  and 
tremulous.  "  Yet  if  this  is  all  true,  as  you  tell  it,  why 
chanced  it,  Monsieur  Coubert,  that  we  were  not  warned  of 
our  danger  while  yet  at  Chartres,  and  before  we  had  made 
so  grievous  a  venture  ?  " 

"  You  forget,  Mademoiselle,  that  I  merely  met  you  for  a 
moment  in  the  dance.  That  gave  me  no  authority  to  inter- 
fere with  plans  already  largely  matured,  nor  could  I  flatter 
myself  that  the  mere  suspicions  of  a  wandering  coureur 
de  bois  would  have  great  weight  with  either  you  or  your 
mistress." 

She  laughed  softly,  her  teeth  a  dazzling  row  of  whiteness. 

"  My  mistress  ?  I  should  say  not.  Hear  you  Monsieur 
Coubert's  wise  words,  you  silent  English  lily?  Pif!  but 


What  I  Found  in  the  West  Wing        155 

you  are  indeed  growing  most  interesting  in  your  revelations, 
Monsieur,  yet  I  confess  the  language  employed  remains 
strangely  stilted  for  the  lips  of  a  mere  French  voyageur, 
such  as  you  make  pretence  at  being.  I  beg  you  yield  full 
confession,  now  that  you  are  once  fairly  started,  and  ac- 
knowledge frankly  that  you  are,  at  the  very  least,  a  noble- 
man in  disguise,  perchance  a  bosom  friend  of  the  King." 

"  I  would  I  were  for  my  own  sake ;  but  nevertheless  it 
is  true,  Mademoiselle,  many  strange  causes  drive  men  into 
these  backwoods,  and  even  a  coureur  de  bois  may  possess 
both  birth  and  breeding." 

I  marvelled  why  the  other  continued  to  remain  so  quiet, 
a  mere  motionless  shadow  in  that  dim  background,  per- 
mitting the  more  vivacious  Rene  to  usurp  the  leading  role 
at  such  a  time.  Perhaps  she  thus  interpreted  my  side  glance 
toward  her,  for,  without  a  movement,  she  addressed  me  now 
with  quiet  deliberativeness,  in  marked  contrast  to  the  play- 
ful raillery  of  her  companion.  A  dignity  of  reserve  char- 
acterized her  manner,  while  her  very  tone  seemed  to  forbid 
the  slightest  familiarity. 

"  I  should  like  to  ask  once  again,  Monsieur,  the  question 
already  propounded  by  Mademoiselle  Rene  —  if  you  really 
knew  ill  of  the  English  messenger  while  at  Fort  Chartres, 
why  were  we  left  unwarned  to  advance  into  certain  danger  ? 
It  would  seem  to  me  your  time  for  interference  is  somewhat 
late." 

"  Your  parting  with  me  was  scarcely  of  a  kind  to  render 
it  possible  for  me  to  approach  you  again  with  any  words 
whatever,"  I  responded  a  bit  tartly,  for  her  cool  indiffer- 
ence to  my  presence,  coupled  with  the  half-veiled  doubt 
implied  by  her  speech,  seriously  offended  me.  "  I  was  a 
mere  French  voyageur,  an  outcast  of  the  forest,  nor  did  you 
for  one  moment  permit  me  to  forget  the  wide  social  gulf 
between  us.  Yet  even  then  I  was  not  altogether  forgetful, 
and  did  what  I  dared  to  do  —  I  warned  both  Monsieur  de 


156  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Villiers  and  Madame  Lecomte  against  the  half-breed,  and 
they  pledged  me  to  use  their  utmost  endeavors  to  prevent 
your  departure  in  his  company  on  such  a  journey.  I  left 
Chartres  feeling  hopeful  of  their  success." 

"  And  yet  presumed  to  follow  us  ?  I  ask  you  again,  for 
what  purpose,  Monsieur  ?  " 

The  question  sounded  so  frigidly  stately,  so  full  of  a  con- 
temptuous disdain,  I  began  to  deem  this  young  English- 
woman to  be  a  mere  block  of  ice,  who  would  remain 
unmelted  even  by  gratitude. 

"  I  did  not  presume  to  follow  you,  Mademoiselle  Mait- 
land,"  I  returned,  feeling  something  of  her  own  sarcastic 
coldness  creeping  into  my  voice.  "  I  left  the  Illinois  country 
some  three  days  in  advance  of  you." 

"  And  waited  here  to  intercept  us,  it  seems,"  she  inter- 
jected haughtily,  and  turned  to  her  companion.  "  Come, 
Rene,  whatever  may  be  this  man's  true  purpose  in  thus  in- 
terfering in  our  affairs,  it  is  perfectly  clear  he  has  no  inten- 
tion of  confiding  it  to  us.  What  use  then  for  any  longer 
converse  ?  " 

The  younger  woman  glanced  from  her  face  to  mine 
undecided. 

"  Bien,  Mademoiselle,  but  I  do  not  quite  see  it  in  that 
way,"  she  exclaimed,  with  a  degree  of  freedom  somewhat 
surprising.  "  To  me  this  grows  most  interesting,  ay,  and 
romantic!  It  is  not  often  distressed  damsels  find  so  per- 
sistent a  cavalier.  Pish!  such  unselfish  devotion  deserves 
reward  rather  than  a  cool  dismissal.  And  do  you  know, 
Monsieur,  I  sought  after  you  all  those  three  days  at  the  fort, 
and  no  one  would  tell  me  whither  you  had  disappeared  so 
suddenly.  I  greatly  desired  another  of  those  mad  French 
dances  ere  we  became  lost  in  this  wilderness.  Ay,  and, 
though  she  is  chilly  enough  now,  Mademoiselle  Alene  here 
did  even  express  a  faint  —  a  very  faint  —  wish  to  venture 
again  upon  an  English  measure  with  so  proper  a  partner !  " 


What  I  Found  in  the  West  Wing        157 

"  Fie,  Rene,  you  speak  far  too  freely  with  one  who  is  but 
a  stranger  to  both  of  us." 

The  laughing  girl  dropped  her  a  mocking  curtsy  in  the 
darkness,  turning  her  roguish  face  backward  over  her 
shoulder. 

"Do  I  truly,  fair  Mistress  Alene?  Poof!  it  is  no  more 
than  my  way.  You  should  know  it  well  enough  by  this 
time ;  and  Monsieur  is  French,  and  will  not  misunderstand. 
Besides,  if  he  really  has  done  all  this  on  our  behalf  —  and 
on  my  faith,  I  do  not  altogether  misdoubt  it  —  I  would  have 
him  realize  we  are  not  wholly  devoid  of  hearts.  Your  icy 
speech  would  freeze  the  enthusiasm  of  a  Jesuit.  Yet  how 
happened  it,  my  friend  le  voyageur,  that  we  chanced  to  arrive 
first  at  this  horrible  place,  if  you  departed  Chartres  three 
days  in  advance  of  us  ?  " 

"  I  met  with  much  trouble  and  delay  along  the  Kankakee, 
losing  my  boat;  but  I  am  informed  that  your  party  was 
warned  in  advance,  and  voyaged  hither  by  way  of  the  great 
lake.  I  understood  at  Fort  Chartres  your  plan  of  travel  to 
be  the  same  as  my  own." 

"  We  were  stopped  by  two  Indians  far  up  on  the  Illinois," 
she  answered  with  greater  gravity.  "  They  informed  us 
regarding  the  dangerous  flood  above.  They  arrived  at  our 
camp  early  one  morning,  had  a  long  talk  with  the  half-breed, 
and  I  saw  him  give  them  money  before  they  departed.  After 
they  had  gone  he  appeared  in  rare  good  humor,  and  that  very 
day  we  turned  northward  toward  the  great  lake." 

"  He  was  kind  toward  both  of  you  ?  " 

"  Kind  ?  Ay !  a  bit  too  kind  for  one  to  find  much  pleas- 
ure in  it.  Sacre !  but  I  really  think  the  man  would  fall  down 
and  worship  Mademoiselle  Stately  yonder,  did  he  only  dare. 
You  should  see  his  eyes  follow  her,  Monsieur,  and  how 
easily  she  holds  him  off  with  her  ice  barrier  —  it  was  as 
good  as  a  play.  But  poor  me,  Monsieur!  I  have  no  such 
deadly  weapon  of  defence  in  all  my  armory,  and  because  I 


158  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

chanced  to  smile  up  into  his  black  face  one  morning,  naturally 
dreaming  it  might  pleasure  him  to  make  such  a  show  of 
friendship,  he  did  venture  to  hold  me  somewhat  lightly  in 
his  thought.  My  faith!  when  he  presumed  too  far  he  re- 
ceived a  lesson  that  quickly  sobered  him.  Ay,  he  was  kind, 
Monsieur;  but  it  was  the  kindness  of  a  chained  bear." 

"  Where  is  the  fellow  now,  and  how  happens  it  I  discover 
you  locked  in  this  room?  Is  this  a  part  of  his  scheme,  or  is 
there  other  reason  for  so  strange  a  procedure  ?  " 

It  was  Mistress  Alene  who  answered  me,  her  voice,  low 
and  musical  as  it  was,  contrasting  unpleasantly  with  the  gay, 
careless  tones  of  the  other. 

"  Not  at  all,  Monsieur ;  at  least  we  have  no  true  reason 
to  anticipate  any  wrong.  The  courier  has  merely  gone  north- 
ward to  the  principal  Indian  camp,  hoping  to  obtain  for  us 
safe  convoy  within  the  English  lines  at  Detroit.  We  expect 
his  return  at  any  moment.  He  explained  to  me  before  he 
departed  that  this  would  be  the  safest  resort  for  us,  and 
that  he  would  trust  us  for  a  few  hours  to  the  care  of  the 
ferryman,  who  was  his  friend.  After  he  left,  that  man  whom 
he  called  Anse  locked  us  in  here,  as  though  we  were  pris- 
oners. It  is  not  altogether  pleasant,  and  has  even  made  us 
wonder  if  some  evil  might  not  be  contemplated,  yet  beyond 
this  there  has  nothing  occurred  of  which  we  can  complain." 

"  Was  no  reason  given  for  thus  confining  you  ?  " 

"  Only  that  it  would  prevent  our  being  observed  by  others 
who  chanced  this  way.  It  is  a  time  of  grave  danger  along 
the  frontier,  and  unprotected  English  girls  might  be  in  much 
peril  were  we  discovered  by  any  band  of  roving  savages 
before  he  had  obtained  protection  from  Pontiac." 

"  The  half-breed  told  you  this  ?  "  I  glanced  at  the  two 
faces  revealed  in  the  moonlight,  the  one  almost  ethereal  in 
its  fairness,  made  visionary  by  the  gold  gleam  of  the  framing 
hair;  the  other  darker,  with  sparkling  eyes,  the  fresh  color 
pulsing  through  the  rounded  cheeks.  What  contrast  could 


What  I  Found  in  the  West  Wing        159 

be  greater  than  these  two  presented  —  the  Spring  and  the 
Summer  of  maidenhood. 

"  Did  he,  Monsieur?"  burst  in  Rene  impulsively,  her  hands 
clasped  together  as  she  bent  eagerly  forward.  "  Ay !  and 
I  could  read  the  falsehood  in  his  eyes  even  as  he  said  it.  I 
know  not  what  may  be  his  purpose,  but  I  distrust  it  for  evil, 
although  Mistress  Alene  believes  he  will  return  to  us  just  as 
he  has  promised.  Pah!  but  she  must  have  more  faith  in 
men  than  I,  in  spite  of  her  outward  coldness  toward  them. 
And  that  old  Anse !  "  She  pursed  up  her  red  lips  as  a  child 
might  to  express  supreme  contempt.  "  He  came  in  here 
twice,  snivelling  and  quoting  scripture,  and  once  asked  us 
to  have  prayers  with  him.  Ugh !  the  slimy  beast !  To  be 
rid  of  him  I  shocked  Mademoiselle  by  telling  him  we  were 
not  of  that  religion.  It  was  rare  good  fun  to  see  both  their 
faces  when  I  brought  forth  this  old  pearl  necklace,  and  be- 
gan as  though  I  would  tell  my  beads.  But  it  sent  him  about 
his  business  quick  enough." 

"  You  are  becoming  exceedingly  flippant,  Mademoiselle," 
her  companion  reproved  soberly,  although  I  thought  the 
glance  of  her  eyes  less  severe  than  the  words  upon  her  lips. 
"  Every  suspicion  finding  lodgment  within  our  minds  is 
not  worthy  to  be  thus  repeated  to  a  mere  chance  acquaint- 
ance. While  I  like  it  not,  yet  no  doubt  all  this  precaution  is 
necessary  for  our  safety.  These  frontiersmen  must  know 
better  than  we  the  extreme  need  of  caution,  and  surely  we 
saw  that  upon  the  journey  hither  which  should  make  us 
realize  our  peril  amid  the  savages." 

I  glanced  from  the  one  to  the  other,  scarcely  able  to  com- 
prehend these  words. 

"  Surely  you  cannot  mean  that  you  suffered  attack  while 
on  your  voyage  ?  " 

"  No,  Monsieur,"  replied  Rene  soberly,  all  roguishness 
gone  in  a  moment  from  her  dark  eyes.  "  It  was  not  that ; 
we  passed  unmolested,  yet  Mistress  Alene  is  right  in  her 


160  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

rebuke  of  my  thoughtless  speech.  It  was  the  fort  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Saint  Joseph,  where  we  left  the  great  lake  and 
turned  eastward.  That  was  in  ruins,  and  still  smoking  when 
we  passed  the  site.  The  half-breed  would  not  permit  us  to 
stop  and  land,  for  fear  some  savages  might  yet  lurk  in  the 
neighborhood,  yet  even  from  the  boat,  as  we  passed  swiftly, 
we  saw  three  dead  bodies  lying  close  beside  the  bank ;  Eng- 
lish soldiers  they  must  have  been,  from  their  red  coats. 
They  had  been  mutilated  most  horribly."  She  lifted  her 
hands  to  her  face  as  if  to  shut  out  that  gruesome  sight. 

I  stood  in  silence,  my  eyes  upon  them,  thinking  rapidly. 
What  was  to  be  done?  How  best  could  I  bring  these  two 
forth  from  this  labyrinth  of  peril  ?  I  no  longer  had  any  doubt 
as  to  the  fell  purpose  of  the  half-breed  —  why  he  had  left 
them  here  and  gone  alone  to  the  camp  of  the  Ottawas ;  and 
I  understood  fairly  well  who  it  was  old  Anse  was  expecting 
to  appear  along  that  northern  trail.  With  both  ends  of 
the  foul  plot  in  my  hands  I  could  comprehend  its  meaning 
clearly  enough,  but  how  was  I  to  circumvent  the  plotters,  and 
guide  those  helpless  flies,  already  caught  in  the  web,  to  some 
place  of  comparative  safety?  I  knew  very  little  as  to  how 
Pontiac's  hordes  of  savages  were  distributed,  yet  beyond  all 
question  every  possible  route  leading  into  Detroit  would  be 
securely  guarded.  To  my  mind  the  sole  means  of  attaining 
the  shelter  of  those  English  palisades  would  be  the  river, 
and  under  cover  of  darkness  —  but  we  possessed  no  boat, 
no  knowledge,  even,  of  where  one  might  be  obtained.  The 
longer  I  reflected  the  more  hopeless  appeared  the  situation, 
the  more  completely  was  I  driven  back  to  reliance  on  the 
exercise  of  my  undoubted  authority  over  Pontiac.  Of  this 
there  could  be  no  question.  As  a  French  officer,  accredited 
to  represent  Monsieur  de  Villiers,  and  bearing  his  special 
message  pledging  assistance,  that  haughty  war-chief  of  the 
Ottawas  would  never  dare  permit  his  vengeful  warriors  to 
lay  harmful  hands  on  any  under  my  protection.  A  handful 


What  I  Found  in  the  West  Wing        161 

of  English  gold  would  not  weigh  much  when  placed  in  the 
scales  against  the  might  of  French  power;  and  this  Pontiac 
was  no  fool.  I  rested  my  fingers  caressingly  upon  the  oil- 
skin covered  package,  securely  fastened  at  my  belt,  fresh 
confidence  returning  to  me  as  I  did  so.  It  was  a  rare  pleas- 
ure at  such  a  moment  to  realize  I  held  safely  in  my  possession 
that  which  would  so  easily  overcome  the  machinations  of  the 
half-breed,  the  sneaking  treachery  of  old  Anse.  Saint  Denis ! 
it  would  be  fine  sport,  indeed,  just  to  watch  their  faces  when 
the  denouement  came. 

"  Monsieur  appears  to  be  extremely  well  pleased,"  pouted 
Rene,  who  was  watching  me  closely ;  "  yet  I  have  but  just 
been  found  grievous  fault  with  because  at  such  a  time  as 
this  I  smiled." 

"  I  laughed,  Mademoiselle,  merely  because  I  dreamed  a 
dream  of  how  easily  we  were  going  to  overcome  all  this  vil- 
lany,"  I  answered  quickly.  "  If  you  and  Mistress  Alene 
will  only  consent  to  resign  yourselves  unreservedly  to  my 
guidance,  we  shall  easily  enough  make  mock  of  the  plans  of 
those  who  now  hold  you  prisoners." 

"You  believe  danger  threatens  us?  you  would  have  us 
escape  with  you  ?  " 

"  I  believe  it  is  the  intention  of  the  half-breed  to  give  you 
over  into  Indian  hands,  for  the  purpose  of  sharing  in  your 
ransom.  He  can  do  this,  and  yet  not  appear  to  have  any  part 
in  your  capture.  It  is  the  scheme  of  a  coward,  but  it  is  just 
such  as  he  and  old  Anse  would  be  most  likely  to  concoct. 
I  would  have  both  of  you  go  direct  with  me  to  Pontiac. 
There  I  will  demand  of  the  chief  an  escort  of  his  warriors  to 
the  very  gates  of  the  stockade.  You  need  have  no  fear  as 
to  the  result  of  such  a  venture,  as  I  possess  sufficient  power 
to  compel  him  to  accede  to  my  request." 

They  both  stared  at  me  with  incredulous  eyes. 

"  You  ?  "  exclaimed  Alene  sharply,  forgetful  of  all  else 
in  the  first  shock  of  surprise.  "  You  ?  I  have  already  in- 


1 62  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

formed  you  that  the  English  messenger  has  departed  to  the 
Ottawa  camp  upon  that  same  mission.  We  have  less  reason 
to  mistrust  him  than  we  have  to  mistrust  you.  If  he  fail, 
armed  as  he  is  with  passports  from  Monsieur  de  Villiers, 
pray,  Monsieur,  why  should  we  place  any  confidence  in  a 
mere  coureur  de  bois,  a  wandering  hunter,  without  either 
position  or  prestige?  For  one,  I  greatly  prefer  to  remain 
here,  awaiting  the  summons  of  a  man  who,  at  least,  bears 
with  him  the  authority  of  my  own  people." 

I  bowed  quietly  before  her  harsh  words,  stiffening  myself 
to  what  I  already  realized  must  prove  a  struggle  for  mastery. 

"  And  what  about  you,  Mademoiselle  ?  "  I  asked,  turning 
slightly  toward  the  other.  "  Do  you  also  retain  such  implicit 
faith  in  the  honor  of  this  half-breed  messenger  that  you 
prefer  his  protection  to  mine  before  Pontiac  ?  " 

She  stood  in  silence,  gazing  intently  into  my  face,  as  if  she 
would  search  out  each  hidden  secret. 

"  I  thoroughly  hate  and  despise  that  half-breed,"  she  ad- 
mitted at  last,  speaking  with  such  utter  frankness  that  she 
seemed  to  have  forgotten  any  other  presence  in  the  room; 
"  he  is  cruel,  deceitful,  base ;  and,  Monsieur,  I  like  you ;  you 
have  a  good  face,  the  look  somehow  of  a  gentleman.  I  know 
a  man  when  I  meet  one,  whether  it  be  at  court  or  in  the  back- 
woods ;  yet  why  should  I  not  ask,  even  as  did  Alene,  how  a 
mere  coureur  de  bois  —  a  vagrant  trader  in  furs  at  the  best 
—  can  possess  greater  influence  in  the  camp  of  these  hostile 
savages  than  an  English  messenger  armed  with  French  pass- 
ports ?  Surely,  Monsieur,  we,  who  perchance  peril  our  very 
lives  in  this  decision,  have  the  best  of  reasons  for  asking  the 
question." 

"  And  to  you  I  will  answer  it  frankly,"  I  replied  as  she 
paused  to  catch  breath.  "  Honesty  begets  honesty,  and  you 
have  taught  me  a  lesson  of  confidence  to-night  that  I  shall 
not  soon  forget.  I  am  not  a  coureur  de  bois,  Mademoiselle, 
but  an  officer  of  France,  bearing  official  message  direct  from 


What  I  Found  in  the  West  Wing        163 

Monsieur  cle  Villiers  to  Pontiac.  My  position  and  rank,  to- 
gether with  my  papers  of  authority,  assure  you  of  protection 
when  once  within  his  camp." 

"  A  French  officer  —  you  ?  "  exclaimed  Alene,  starting 
forward  in  utter  forgetfulness  of  her  former  restraint. 
"  Then  why  have  you  so  long  deceived  us  ?  Why  do  you 
masquerade  even  now  in  such  rude  frontier  garb  ?  I  do  not 
believe  you ! " 

"  Well,  I  do,  Monsieur."  It  was  the  voice  of  Rene,  clear, 
confiding,  and  as  she  spoke  she  extended  her  hand  impul- 
sively. "  You  travel  upon  a  secret  mission,  no  doubt,  and  for 
that  reason  are  not  in  the  uniform  of  your  rank.  What  is 
your  rank,  Monsieur  ?  " 

"  I  hold  a  captain's  commission,"  I  answered,  my  heart 
warming  instantly  to  her  words ;  "  and  that  I  may  strengthen 
your  trust,  I  will  add,  I  have  with  me  as  companion  a  soldier 
from  Fort  Chartres  whom  you  very  well  know  —  an  ad- 
mirer I  may  say,  Jacques  Cassadi,  of  the  Foot  Regiment  of 
Pointiers." 

She  laughed  softly,  clapping  her  little  hands  together  with 
quick  enthusiasm. 

"  The  last  doubt  vanishes  into  thin  air,  Monsieur  le  Capi- 
taine.  He  is  most  delightful,  that  Jacques.  Ay,  even  sober 
Mistress  Alene  finds  great  amusement  in  his  presence,  while 
I  —  I  am  already  very  deeply  in  love,  Monsieur ;  yet  you 
must  not  whisper  this  secret  to  Jacques,  or  I  could  never 
again  make  his  life  miserable.  I  may  trust  you  not  to 
betray  ?  " 

"  I  beg  you  hush,  Rene.  What  would  the  English  officers 
think  of  you?  A  mere  illiterate,  uncouth  private;  in  truth 
but  an  Irish  renegade  in  arms  against  his  King." 

"  The  English  officers !  Pah !  a  lot  of  red-coated  prigs, 
learnedly  discussing  the  weather,  and  bowing  before  you  as 
though  they  had  sticks  thrust  up  their  backs.  I  prefer 
Jacques;  he,  at  least,  is  interesting,  and  so  droll,  Monsieur 


164  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

le  Capitaine,  with  an  eye  that  makes  you  laugh  just  to  look 
into  it,  and  ever  a  gay  quip  on  his  tongue.  Ah,  but  I  know 
you  now,  for  they  told  me  back  at  the  fort  Jacques  had  ac- 
companied an  officer  eastward  with  despatches.  Monsieur, 
of  course  we  will  go  with  you." 

The  two  girls  looked  at  each  other,  and  I  waited  anxiously 
for  Mistress  Alene  to  utter  some  word  in  endorsement  of 
her  companion's  independent  decision.  But  she  remained 
strangely  silent,  standing  like  a  fair  white  statue  in  the  moon- 
beam. In  that  intense  stillness  my  heart  gave  a  great  throb 
—  there  was  borne  to  us  a  sudden  noise  from  the  outer  pas- 
sageway, a  gruff  shout  of  command,  the  hurling  down  of 
a  wooden  bar  clattering  upon  the  floor.  I  had  barely  time 
to  take  one  quick  step  forward,  thus  interposing  my  body 
before  those  shrinking  women,  when  the  door  was  flung 
wide  open,  permitting  a  stream  of  light  to  burst  into  our 
faces,  and  flooding  the  interior  with  a  glow  of  color. 


CHAPTER   XVI 

INTRODUCING   MONSIEUR   QUILLERIEZ 

BEFORE  us  was  revealed  a  picture  to  burn  its  every 
detail  upon  the  brain  in  lines  of  vivid  fire.  I  can  see 
it  now  —  that  long  low  room  almost  devoid  of  furniture,  the 
rough  puncheon  floor,  the  unbarked  logs  forming  the  walls, 
the  black  shadows  half  shrouding  the  gloomy  rafters  over- 
head, now  dimly  illumined  by  the  red  glare  from  those  nu- 
merous pine  knots  upheld  in  the  passageway,  their  gleam 
sweeping  in  through  the  open  door  in  streams  of  color,  danc- 
ing dizzily  to  the  draught  of  air.  The  narrow  doorway, 
together  with  what  small  space  we  could  perceive  beyond, 
appeared  packed  with  men,  their  faces  barely  visible  in  the 
torch  shadows,  their  movements  warlike,  and  filled  with 
menace.  I  saw  old  Anse,  conspicuous  in  his  long  black 
coat,  and  numerous  Indians,  naked  to  the  waist,  their  red 
skins  shining  with  oil,  their  scalp-locks  greased  and  erect, 
while  among  these,  pressed  closely  together,  as  if  wedged 
helplessly  between  the  massed  figures,  appeared  the  gray 
blanket-coats  and  red  caps  of  several  Canadian  voyageurs. 
Fronting  them  we  waited  in  wonder^  I  half  crouched  for  a 
spring,  the  long  knife  gleaming  deadly  in  my  hand ;  behind 
me  cowered  the  two  girls,  their  white  faces  touched  by  the 
fitful  glimmer  of  the  flames,  their  eyes  filled  with  unspeakable 
terror. 

For  the  instant  mutual  surprise  chained  every  lip  into 
silence.  So  intensely  still  it  was  I  could  hear  the  quick  beat 
of  my  own  heart,  the  sobbing  breathing  of  those  crouched 
behind  me.  Then  old  Anse  laughed  —  a  grim,  mirthless 


1 66  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

laugh,  so  filled  with  cruel  exultation  that  I  involuntarily 
straightened  as  though  he  had  struck  me  with  the  long  rifle 
in  his  hand. 

"  Well,  you  English  villain,"  he  cried  in  his  sneaking,  nasal 
voice,  "  so  we  have  caught  you  at  your  little  game !  " 

His  chance  words  proved  the  very  inspiration  I  required, 
the  unintended  clue  necessary  to  guide  my  action.  To  fight 
alone  against  such  overwhelming  numbers,  with  no  weapon 
except  a  knife,  would  be  sheer  madness  —  audacity,  the  cool 
assumption  of  authority,  alone  offered  the  slightest  hope  of 
escape  —  of  even  decent  treatment  at  the  hands  of  such  a 
gang  of  mongrel  ruffians.  It  all  came  to  me  in  one  sudden 
flash  with  his  chance  use  of  that  hated  term,  "  Englishman." 

"  The  fellow  who  calls  me  English,  lies,"  I  said  sternly, 
using  the  French  tongue.  "  And  here,  or  elsewhere,  I  will 
brand  it  on  him." 

With  one  quick  stride  forward  I  faced  my  man,  too 
astounded  by  such  unexpected  action  to  realize  its  true 
meaning,  and,  before  he  might  even  fling  up  his  arm  to 
ward  the  blow,  I  struck  him  a  stinging  slap  across  the  lips 
with  my  open  hand. 

"  There  is  the  answer  of  an  officer  of  France  to  the  insult 
of  a  blaspheming  cur,"  I  exclaimed,  fronting  that  dark  ring 
of  angry  faces  as  if  they  were  slaves,  yet  never  once  per- 
mitting my  eyes  to  wander  from  the  eyes  of  the  man  I 
had  struck.  "  Is  there  another  among  you  who  will  care 
to  brand  me  Englishman  ?  " 

I  heard  a  low  grunt  of  approval  from  those  stolid  war- 
riors nearest,  and  knew  my  bold  front  had  produced  the 
effect  desired.  One  of  these,  a  huge  fellow,  overtopping 
the  others  by  some  inches,  and  an  O  jib  way  by  evidence  of 
his  headdress,  laid  heavy  restraining  hand  on  old  Anse's 
uplifted  arm.  The  action  yielded  me  fresh  incentive  to 
press  home  my  advantage. 

"  Escort  us  to  Pontiac,"  I  commanded  shortly ;    "  I  will 


Introducing  Monsieur  Quilleriez         167 

make  explanation  of  my  actions  to  no  other  than  that 
chief." 

I  could  clearly  distinguish  their  faces  now,  as  my  eyes 
became  accustomed  to  the  radiations  of  light,  and  read 
therein  doubt,  wonderment,  perplexity.  Who  was  this 
strange  man  daring  to  front  them  in  such  utter  disregard  of 
their  power?  Who  but  a  chief  would  thus  venture  to  com- 
mand their  obedience,  or  fling  such  words  of  authority  and 
contempt  into  their  very  teeth?  Surely  he  could  be  no 
wandering  fugitive  of  the  woods,  in  spite  of  rough  clothes 
and  disordered  apparel.  Such  reckless  daring,  at  such  a 
time  and  place,  made  the  boldest  among  them  hesitate,  fear- 
ful lest  some  mistake  be  made,  some  affront  be  given  to 
Pontiac.  Instantly  I  realized  to  the  full  my  advantage,  and 
began  to  press  it  home,  before  the  slightest  reaction  should 
set  in. 

"  You  men,"  I  cried,  speaking  with  all  the  sternness  I 
could  put  into  my  voice,  "  and  especially  you  chief  of  the 

0  jib  ways,  you,  no  doubt,  have  been  brought  here  by  that 
sneaking  hound  yonder,  who  told  you  I  was  an  Englishman, 
and  therefore  your  enemy.     I  tell  you  he  lied,  and  have 
branded  him  with  it  in  your  very  presence.     While  every 
drop  of  black  blood  running  in  his  veins  is  English,  I  am 
French;    ay,  more,  an  officer  from  Fort  Chartres,  bearing 
a  message  of  the  utmost  importance  direct  from  Monsieur 
de  Villiers  to  Pontiac.     You  will  lay  your  hands  on  me  at 
your  peril." 

"  You  told  me  yourself  that  you  were  English !  "  Old 
Anse  shouted  the  words,  his  face  black  with  passion,  his 
lip  bleeding  where  I  had  struck  it.  "  You  said  you  travelled 
from  Fort  Miami  to  Detroit." 

"  Did  I,  indeed  ?  "  I  laughed,  with  a  tone  of  the  utmost 
contempt.  "  Naturally,  knowing  you  to  be  of  that  people, 

1  thought  it  would  be  best.    Nevertheless  I  am  French,  and 
perfectly  able  to  prove  it.     No  doubt  you  already  hold  as 


i68  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

prisoner  the  soldier  who  accompanied  me  here  —  bring 
him  hither,  and  hear  his  testimony." 

There  was  a  touch  of  cool  dignity  in  my  voice  which  had 
its  instant  effect  on  that  motley  crowd.  I  distinguished  a 
sound  of  scuffling  back  in  the  passageway;  then  the  black 
ring  at  the  door  parted  slightly,  and  the  figure  of  a  man  was 
thrust  violently  through. 

"  There  he  is,  master,"  cried  a  shrill  voice,  "  an'  ye  're 
mighty  welcome  to  the  little  devil." 

Cassady  fairly  stumbled  forward,  his  hands  bound 
tight  at  his  back,  and  would  surely  have  fallen,  had  not  the 
big  O  jib  way  caught  him  by  the  collar,  and  held  him  up- 
right. He  formed  a  pitiful  object  as  the  light  revealed 
clearly  his  plight,  and  bore  many  evidences  of  having 
made  a  most  valiant  struggle  before  yielding  to  over- 
whelming numbers.  His  face  was  discolored  from  blows 
and  stained  with  blood,  while  his  coat  clung  to  his  back 
in  mere  strips  of  rags.  And  he  had  been  captured,  not  con- 
quered, for  his  eyes  gleamed  viciously,  and  he  twisted  about 
in  that  iron  grip  holding  him,  seeking  vainly  for  some  oppor- 
tunity to  retaliate  against  his  captors. 

"  Lit  go  o'  me,  ye  big,  naked  rid  haythen,"  he  howled, 
snapping  with  his  teeth  at  the  hand  upon  his-  shoulder. 
"  Bedad,  an'  Oi  '11  foight  wid  anny  two  uv  ye  if  ye  '11  give 
me  half  a  chance  —  Holy  Mother !  there  's  Rene !  "  And 
he  stopped,  staring,  his  face  instantly  as  white  as  a  corpse. 

"  Yes,  my  man,"  I  said  stepping  forward  where  I  could 
catch  his  eye  fairly.  "  It  is  Rene  and  Mademoiselle,  and  the 
time  has  come  for  us  to  serve  them  in  other  ways  than 
dreaming.  The  righting  is  over ;  now  I  want  you  to  answer 
a  question  or  two.  Speak  the  truth,  and  you  will  preserve 
your  own  life,  as  well  as  these  others.  Who  am  I  ?  " 

He  looked  at  me,  evidently  in  some  doubt  as  to  my 
exact  meaning,  his  mind  perhaps  a  trifle  dulled  by  what  he 
had  passed  through. 


Introducing  Monsieur  Quilleriez         169 

"  Arrah,  sorr,  Oi  wud  loike  to  know  whither  ye  're  in 
airnest,  or  jist  a  lyin'  for  to  fule  them  rid  varments,"  he 
muttered,  his  eyes  roving  over  the  circle  of  faces.  "  Shure 
now,  is  it  the  rale  truth  ye  want,  er  only  a  bit  o'  me  foine 
imagination  ?  " 

"  The  exact  truth.  Come,  answer  plainly  in  French,  and 
speak  up  so  that  you  can  be  heard.  Give  your  name  and 
rank  at  Fort  Chartres." 

Again  he  looked  at  me,  then  once  more  permitted  his  eyes 
to  circle  those  dark  faces  glowering  at  him.  I  could  see 
him  wet  his  dry  lips  with  his  tongue. 

"  Jacques,"  spoke  up  Rene  distinctly,  and  I  noted  the  start 
he  gave  at  the  sound  of  her  voice.  "  For  my  sake  do  just  as 
Captain  de  Coubert  bids  you." 

"  Praise  God,  sorr,"  he  burst  forth  desperately.  "  Oi 
wus  Jacques  Cassadi,  corporal  in  the  Foot  Regiment  of 
Pointiers,  belongin'  to  the  gharrison  et  Fort  Chartres." 

"And  who  am  I?" 

"  Captain  Raoul  de  Coubert,  despatched  from  thet  same 
fort  bearin'  a  special  message  from  Monsieur  de  Villiers  to 
thet  rid  divil  Pontiac  —  bedad,  an'  thet 's  the  truth." 

"  You  hear  his  words,"  I  said,  turning  away  from  him, 
and  fronting  those  others  with  authority.  "  I  am  not 
dressed  in  uniform,  but  he  is,  and  ragged  as  that  coat  seems 
from  your  handling,  there  must  be  many  here  who  know  the 
uniform  of  the  Foot  Regiment  of  Pointiers  —  it  has  been 
seen  often  enough  in  your  villages."  As  I  spoke  I  caught 
sight  of  old  Anse's  face,  and  remembered.  "  That  fellow 
does,"  pointing  directly  at  him.  "  More,  he  recognized  this 
very  man  as  a  soldier  of  Fort  Chartres  when  we  first  ar- 
rived here ;  they  had  met  before,  and  therefore  he  knew  he 
lied  when  he  first  told  you  I  was  an  Englishman." 

The  big  O  jib  way  had  let  go  his  grasp  on  the  fellow  in 
order  that  he  might  better  support  the  Corporal,  and  at  these 
irritating  words  old  Anse  leaped  furiously  forward,  flinging 


1 70  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

up  his  gun  for  a  murderous  stroke  at  my  head.  I  sprang 
back,  ready  in  an  instant  to  meet  his  onset,  but,  with  a  wild 
yell  of  intense  delight,  Cassady  wriggled  free  from  the 
clutches  of  the  giant  who  held  him,  and,  doubling  up  like 
a  ball,  projected  his  head  into  Anse's  unprotected  stomach. 
The  blow  sounded  like  a  maul  on  wood,  and  the  two  went 
down,  the  Irishman  on  top,  kicking  and  butting  like  a  wild 
man. 

"Ye  will,  will  ye,  ye  ould  chate?"  he  yelled.  "  Thet  's 
f er  the  fifty  francs  ye  got  out  o'  me ;  an'  thet  one 's  fer  them 
decayin'  eggs  ye  made  me  ate ;  this  is  fer  thet  bluddy  lie  ye 
told ;  an'  here 's  one  fer  kapin'  uv  them  gurls  locked  up, 
while  Oi  '11  give  ye  this  fer  gud  measure,  feelin'  shure  ye  're 
desarvin'  uv  it.  Holy  Saint  Patrick !  but  Oi  wish  Oi  hed  the 
fray  use  uv  me  hands,  Oi  'd  lather  the  face  off  ye." 

Shrieking  with  laughter  at  this  ridiculous  outcome,  the 
gray-coated  Canadians  dragged  the  pugnacious  little  chap 
off,  and  promptly  sat  down  upon  him  to  restore  quiet,  while 
old  Anse  propped  himself  up  against  the  wall,  panting  pain- 
fully for  breath,  the  Indians  looking  on  in  stolid  wonderment. 
It  was  plainly  time  for  the  stern  driving  of  my  demands 
home.  I  swung  my  knife  overhead,  and  stuck  it  quivering 
in  the  floor  at  the  very  feet  of  the  big  O  jib  way. 

"  You  have  my  answer,"  I  announced  menacingly.  "  It 
is  the  answer  of  France.  In  that  name  I  demand  escort  to 
Pontiac.  Who  is  in  command  of  this  party  ?  " 

For  an  instant  there  was  sullen  silence,  but  my  unshrink- 
ing boldness  awed  them.  Then,  in  spite  of  some  spirited 
resistance,  a  man  was  shoved  through  that  nondescript  ring 
into  the  full  glare  of  the  light. 

"  It  is  mine,  that  unmerited  honor,  Monsieur  le  Capi- 
taine,"  he  said,  humbly  bowing  before  me  like  a  jumping- 
jack. 

Saint  Denis!  but  he  was  a  strange  figure  to  thus  meet 
with  in  that  wilderness,  and  I  stood  there  staring  at  him, 


Introducing  Monsieur  Quilleriez         171 

scarcely  able  to  refrain  from  laughing  outright  at  the  odd 
appearance  he  made.  He  was  a  comical  little  fellow,  yet 
standing  stiff  as  a  grenadier,  his  chest  out,  his  chin  thrown 
back  as  though  for  a  picture,  baldheaded,  save  for  an  insig- 
nificant tuft  over  each  ear,  and  having  a  long  solemn  face, 
smoothly  shaven.  He  was  clothed  in  the  long  gray  coat  of  a 
Canadian  voyageur,  liberally  decorated  with  strips  of  red 
flannel,  and  held  a  high  cocked  hat  clutched  tightly  in  one 
hand,  while  in  the  other  shone  a  cavalry  sabre  as  long  as 
his  body.  And  he  was  a  woodland  dandy,  fairly  a-flutter 
with  ribbons,  his  fringed  moccasins  of  the  most  elaborate 
pattern,  his  broad  sash  plentifully  garnished  with  beads 
and  wampum. 

"  You  ? "  I  echoed,  feeling  half  suspicious  that  some 
trick  was  being  played  upon  me  by  the  thrusting  forward  of 
this  jackanapes.  "You,  Monsieur,  and  who  may  you  be?" 

He  bowed  again  until  his  hat  swept  the  floor,  his  bald  head 
shining  oddly  in  the  light. 

"  I  am  Monsieur  Quilleriez,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine,"  he 
answered  in  a  shrill  boyish  voice.  "  No  doubt  I  am  already 
known  to  you  by  repute,  as  I  have  the  honor  to  be  in  charge 
of  the  commissariat  in  the  camp  of  Pontiac." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  imply  that  the  French  Canadians  are 
already  up  in  arms  ? "  I  questioned,  greatly  surprised  by 
this  statement.  " S acre  I  it  was  not  known  to  Monsieur  de 
Villiers  when  I  left  the  Illinois." 

He  smirked,  his  prominent  solemn  eyes  giving  a  peculiar 
grim  sombreness  to  the  efforts  of  his  lips  to  smile. 

"  Not  yet  as  a  body,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine,"  he  responded, 
puffing  out  his  cheeks  as  though  in  pride  of  such  brave 
words.  "  Merely  a  choice  few  of  us,  bolder  and  more  ad- 
venturous spirits,  have  hastened  to  strike  another  blow  at  the 
hated  red-coats."  He  stepped  closer,  as  if  he  would  speak  in 
the  strictest  confidence.  "  But  all  are  ripe  for  it.  Sacre! 
but  there  will  be  a  most  noble  army  of  gallant  Canadians  in 


172  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

the  field  whenever  Monsieur  de  Villiers  shall  despatch  his 
regulars  to  our  aid.  No  doubt  you  bear  with  you  even  now 
the  details  of  their  coming  ?  " 

I  looked  at  the  fellow  as  he  peeked  impudently  up  into 
my  face,  constantly  dancing  about  on  his  short  legs,  and 
strove  hard  to  conceal  the  disgust  I  felt  at  his  affectation  and 
vanity. 

"  My  message  was  intended  for  Pontiac,"  I  said  a  bit 
stiffly.  "  And  not  given  me  to  be  leaked  out  upon  the  road. 
You  are  a  soldier,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,  and  will  doubtless 
understand  the  military  necessity  for  my  silence.  Have  we 
pledge  of  save  convoy  by  your  party  to  the  camp  of  the 
Ottawas  ?  " 

"  You  shall  be  taken  there  at  once,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine." 

I  struck  my  foot  heavily  upon  the  floor,  my  face  darkening 
to  the  concealment  in  his  answer. 

"  Not  one  step  will  I  travel  without  these  others,"  I 
proclaimed  sternly.  "  Understand  that ;  not  one  step,  do 
you  hear  me,  Monsieur  Quilleriez  ?  And  horses  must  be  pro- 
vided for  the  wonten." 

"  It  is  impossible,"  he  protested,  shrinking  backward  a 
step  as  I  advanced  toward  him.  "  Impossible,  Monsieur ; 
we  have  our  orders." 

"  Have  you,  indeed  ?  "  I  queried  sarcastically,  for  I  had 
no  doubt  now  as  to  the  kind  of  man  with  whom  I  had 
to  deal.  "  Very  well,  so  have  I,  and,  moreover,  the  power 
of  Monsieur  de  Villiers  to  enforce  them.  Saint  Denis! 
Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  and  I  let  my  voice  roar  out  angrily 
at  him,  "  do  you,  a  Frenchman,  dare  to  stand  in  the  way  of 
a  French  officer  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty?  Do  you 
venture  to  give  me,  a  Captain  of  Hussars,  your  orders,  and 
tell  me  what  I  shall,  or  shall  not  do?  Do  you  dare  to  place 
your  motley  crew  of  savages,  and  half-breed  vagabonds, 
across  my  path  when  I  bear  a  King's  message?  Sacre!  if 
you  try  it  I  will  make  it  cost  you  dear  enough,  when  once 


Introducing  Monsieur  Quilleriez         173 

I  get  the  ear  of  Pontiac.  Mark  you  now  my  words,  Monsieur 
1'Intendant  Militaire,  you  will  convoy  us  safely,  and  together, 
into  the  presence  of  the  chief,  or  we  shall  wait  him  here, 
and  I  will  write  the  whole  story  of  your  interference  to  Mon- 
sieur de  Villiers.  It  is  my  belief  that  if  that  ever  happen 
you  will  be  quite  likely  to  hear  about  it." 

The  little  fellow  shrank  back  from  before  me,  his  face 
turning  fairly  ashen  with  terror,  his  eyes  searching  the  cir- 
cle of  his  followers  for  some  suggestion  of  assistance.  But 
I  permitted  him  small  chance  to  collect  his  scattered  wits. 
It  was  plain  enough  now  what  their  fate  would  be  if  I 
deserted  these  others. 

"  There  are  stakes  out  in  the  Illinois  country,  Monsieur," 
I  added,  secretly  enjoying  his  cowardly  squirming,  "  and 
plenty  of  faggots  ready  for  the  lighting.  Faith,  I  have  seen 
them  in  use  often  enough  to  know  what  they  mean  to 
traitors.  France  has  a  long  arm,  and  a  strong  one,  my 
friend,  and  Monsieur  de  Villiers  has  a  somewhat  hasty 
temper." 

He  shifted  from  one  foot  to  the  other,  nervously  fingering 
his  sash,  seeking  vainly  to  push  back  into  the  throng  behind, 
his  eyes  turned  upward  like  those  of  a  frightened  rabbit. 

"  And  then  there  is  Pontiac  to  be  reckoned  with,  Mon- 
sieur Quilleriez,"  I  persisted,  ever  pressing  closer  against 
him,  my  hands  gesticulating  within  an  inch  of  his  nose. 
"  Do  you  imagine  he  would  uphold  any  affront  offered  to  a 
French  officer  just  at  this  time,  when  he  hopes  to  see  the 
fleur  de  Us  coming  to  his  support?  When  he  made  you 
chief  of  his  commissariat,  did  he  also  bid  you  make  war 
against  France,  Monsieur?  Bien,  but  I  think  it  means  as 
much  to  you  as  it  does  to  me." 

I  caught  a  fleeting  glimpse  of  Cassady's  face,  his  eyes 
dancing  merrily  with  mischief,  yet  I  never  permitted  my  own 
gaze  to  waver  an  instant  from  that  shrinking  wretch  before 
me. 


174  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Come,  stop  gasping !    Do  you  dare  to  halt  me  here  ?  " 

"  Mon  Dieu ! "  he  burst  forth  at  last,  his  words  tripping 
over  each  other  as  if  they  sought  utterance  all  at  once. 
"  'T  'is  as  you  say,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine ;  we  give  you 
convoy.  Holy  Mother !  what  a  man !  an  angry  bear  would 
be  more  gentle." 

"  Very  well,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  I  retorted,  catching 
instantly  at  his  assent,  and  determining  never  to  let  go  of  it. 
"  It  proves  you  to  be  a  man  of  good  judgment  as  well  as  a 
true  soldier.  I  shall  take  great  pleasure  in  informing  Pon- 
tiac  of  your  courtesy.  Bid  your  party  disperse,  that  we  may 
discuss  our  plans  privately  together,  and  with  greater 
freedom." 

I  turned  away  from  him,  as  if  the  affair  had  been  defi- 
nitely settled,  stepping  back  beyond  the  Irishman  toward 
where  the  two  ladies  held  each  other's  hands,  even  yet  in 
doubt  as  to  the  outcome.  But  Cassady  caused  me  to  pause 
by  salaaming  before  me  as  though  I  were  a  Chinese  joss. 

"  May  all  the  saints  bless  ye,  sorr !  "  he  muttered  in  Eng- 
lish, his  blue  eyes  dancing  in  unsuppressed  amusement. 
"  But  it 's  you  thet  hes  got  the  foine  voice,  fit  to  crack  the 
ceilin'.  And  it 's  a  beautiful  spaker  ye  are,  loike  Fayther 
Doyle.  Faith,  if  thet  Pontiac  iver  hears  ye  et  yer  best,  it 's 
a  gineral  he  '11  make  out  uv  ye,  no  less.  Shure,  an'  thet  little 
divil  over  yander  does  n't  know  yit  whither  he  's  livin'  or 
ded.  Be  me  sowl  but  his  eyes  rowl  up  roight  now,  loike 
he  wus  havin'  a  fit." 


CHAPTER   XVII 

MY  LADY  CONDESCENDS 

OUR  march  upon  the  following  day  lingers  in  memory 
among  the  pleasanter  recollections  of  an  adventurous 
life,  and  its  happening  seems  no  longer  ago  than  yesterday. 
It  was  in  the  early  summer  dawn  we  started,  being  ferried, 
most  unwillingly,  across  the  river  by  old  Anse.  Leaving 
him  scowling  after  us,  we  climbed  the  steep  bank  beyond, 
and  pressed  on  through  a  fringe  of  sturdy  forest  trees,  until 
we  came  forth  upon  a  well-travelled  trail  leading  directly 
northward.  There  were  twenty  besides  ourselves  in  the 
party,  which  was  composed  mostly  of  young  warriors  from 
the  O  jib  way  tribe,  their  lithe,  slender  bodies  blackened  and 
naked,  save  for  the  inevitable  breechclout.  These  stalked 
on  solemnly  a  short  distance  in  advance.  We  followed  next 
in  order,  the  two  ladies  being  mounted  upon  diminutive 
ponies  poorly  broken  to  such  fair  burdens,  so  that  the  Cor- 
poral and  I,  plodding  along  on  foot  by  their  sides,  were 
frequently  compelled  to  take  sudden  grip  on  the  rude  rope 
bridles  to  quiet  them.  Behind  us,  and  apparently  paying 
no  special  heed  to  our  movements,  marched  the  little  bunch 
of  Canadians,  seven  all  told,  with  Monsieur  Quilleriez 
mincing  proudly  at  their  head,  his  long  sword  dragging 
upon  the  ground. 

I  was  compelled  to  smile  whenever  I  glanced  around  at 
him,  and  noted  those  many-colored  ribbons  decorating  his 
person,  coupled  with  his  vain  efforts  to  assume  a  dignity, 
and  military  carriage,  scarcely  compatible  with  his  dimin- 
utive figure  and  amusingly  solemn  face.  But  then  I  was 


A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

in  rare  good-humor,  and  found  much  to  tickle  my  fancy 
along  the  route.  Why  should  I  not  be  happy?  Surely  all 
my  plans  seemed  circling  swiftly  into  achievement,  and  I 
had  every  reason  to  feel  well  satisfied  with  myself.  We 
were  already  upon  our  way  to  Pontiac  —  under  guard  of 
savages  to  be  sure,  and  others  scarcely  better,  yet  in  no 
sense  prisoners  —  while  as  to  the  final  result  of  our  meet- 
ing with  that  chieftain  I  experienced  not  the  faintest  doubt. 
No  one  can  be  more  gracious  than  an  Indian  when  it  is 
his  policy,  and,  from  all  I  heard,  this  Ottawa  was  as  much 
diplomat  as  warrior.  His  eager  desire  for  cooperation  with 
the  arms  of  France  should  prove  alone  sufficient  guarantee 
of  our  protection.  I  had  merely  to  make  known  my  name, 
rank,  and  mission,  to  demand  any  reasonable  favor  within 
his  power  to  grant.  He  might,  it  is  true,  decide  not  to 
despatch  the  ladies  at  once  within  the  English  lines,  yet  I 
could  certainly  assure  them  of  both  safety  and  comfort  in 
their  detention.  In  truth  I  was  not  altogether  averse  to 
some  such  decision  upon  the  part  of  the  chief  —  a  few 
weeks  of  close  intimacy  within  the  Indian  camp,  myself 
their  sole  stay  and  reliance,  might  work  a  miracle;  at 
least,  it  bade  fair  to  afford  me  advantages  I  should  be  most 
foolish  to  ignore.  And  I  needed  it,  for  never  had  I  met 
with  one  harder  to  comprehend  than  this  fair,  changeable 
Mistress  Alene.  Sacre!  she  did  continue  to  ignore  my  very 
presence  with  such  seeming  heartlessness  as  to  make  me 
despair  of  even  winning  a  kind  word  from  her  lips.  It 
angered  me,  yet  somehow  not  even  anger  could  drive  the 
love  from  out  my  heart,  whenever  my  wandering  eyes  rested 
upon  her.  She  could  smile  at  the  queer  antics  of  Monsieur 
Quilleriez,  for  I  saw  her,  and  if  a  sense  of  humor  lurked 
beneath  that  proud  armor  of  reserve,  then  there  must  be 
other  qualities  as  well. 

I  reflected  upon  all  these  things  as  we  plodded  sturdily 
onward,  the  trail  we  followed,  worn  deep  into  the  turf  by 


My  Lady  Condescends  177 

thousands  of  moccasined  feet,  winding  along  the  uplands, 
and  through  the  valleys,  skirting  great  woods,  the  trees 
bending  above  us  hoary  with  age ;  traversing  strips  of  open 
prairie  land,  the  long  green  grass  shimmering  in  the  sun. 
It  was  everywhere  a  scene  of  restful  beauty,  a  constantly 
changing  panorama  of  silent  loveliness  —  a  picture  of  Na- 
ture clothed  in  her  best  apparel,  gorgeously  robed  in  all 
the  bright  Summer  tints  of  the  wilderness.  Many  a  time 
that  day,  as  we  drew  slowly  toward  the  summit  of  some 
eminence,  from  whence  the  eye  swept  unvexed  over  the 
widespread  vista  beneath,  I  drew  a  deep  breath  while  gazing 
in  admiration  upon  the  entrancing  scene. 

Both  my  charges  rode  silent  at  first,  Rene  being  slightly 
in  advance.  Cassady  had  taken  her  bridle  as  of  right,  nor 
had  I  objected,  lingering  in  uncertainty  beside  Mistress 
Alene,  feeling  sure  enough  that  my  presence  would  prove 
unwelcome  to  that  lady,  yet  seeing  no  clear  way  for  doing 
otherwise.  Nor  was  I  indifferent  to  that  mocking  smile 
which  the  roguish  maid  cast  backward  as  she  rode  away, 
nor  to  the  look  of  sufferance  upon  the  averted  face  of  her 
I  guarded.  For  some  time  I  walked  in  silence,  listening 
to  Cassady's  voice  in  almost  constant  effort  at  conversa- 
tion, to  which  his  companion  seemed  slow  to  make  reply, 
although  she  had  greeted  him  cheerfully  enough  at  starting. 
Nor  was  it  long,  under  the  witchery  of  his  good-humor, 
before  she  was  laughing  merrily  at  his  odd  speech,  forget- 
ful of  whatever  had  previously  served  to  sober  her.  I  could 
not  help  watching  her  as  she  rode  there  directly  in  my 
front,  her  daintily  perfect  figure  swaying  easily  to  the  sud- 
den movements  of  her  horse,  the  'broad  hat  shading  her 
sweet,  animated  face,  her  bright  eyes  either  smiling  down 
upon  the  ardent  Irishman  or  wandering  abroad  in  eager 
appreciation  of  the  outspread  landscape.  She  had  a  way 
with  her,  this  ingenuous  young  beauty,  which  was  strangely 
impetuous  for  her  station  in  life,  and  a  pride  also,  less  hard 

12 


178  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

to  combat,  indeed,  than  the  other,  yet  fully  as  defensive. 
He  would  have  been  a  rash  man  who  ventured  to  presume 
because  of  her  outspoken,  girlish  frankness. 

As  I  observed  these  two  making  merry  together,  I  became 
almost  envious  of  the  Corporal,  for  she  who  was  my  own 
charge  barely  deigned  to  notice  that  I  walked  by  her  side, 
and  only  that  was  evidenced  by  the  few  monosyllabic  re- 
sponses I  fairly  drew  from  her  by  persistent  effort.  Yet 
as  I  ventured,  now  and  then,  to  glance  aside  at  her,  I  could 
not  but  be  conscious  it  was  a  most  fair  face  biding  there, 
although  seemingly  carven  from  ivory,  so  perfect  were  the 
clear-cut  outlines,  so  emotionless  the  expression.  Discour- 
aged, I  tramped  on  silently,  never  indifferent  to  her  near 
presence,  yet  becoming  more  and  more  deeply  immersed  in 
my  own  thoughts.  Finally  she  addressed  me  of  her  own 
volition,  asking  a  question,  her  gray  eyes  turned  upon  me 
much  as  she  might  have  surveyed  a  stage  picture. 

"  Believe  you,  Monsieur,  we  shall  be  conveyed  directly 
to  Detroit  to-night?" 

"  That  would  seem  to  be  scarcely  probable,"  I  answered, 
determined  to  push  even  this  slight  conversational  opening 
to  the  farthest  extent  possible.  "  We  shall  undoubtedly  be 
compelled  to  circuit  Detroit  in  reaching  the  camp  of  the 
Ottawas,  which,  I  am  informed  by  Monsieur  Quilleriez, 
lies  somewhat  to  the  northward  of  the  English  stockade. 
We  may  not  even  succeed  in  obtaining  conference  to-night 
with  Pontiac,  for  I  fear  we  shall  arrive  somewhat  late." 

She  surveyed  me  quietly,  her  expression  a  bit  vexed  at 
my  answer,  and  I  thought  she  hesitated  whether  or  not  to 
speak  those  words  which  trembled  upon  her  lips. 

"  Your  vast  influence  over  these  Indians  "  —  and  her  low 
voice  was  vibrant  with  bitter  sarcasm  —  "  should,  from  your 
own  statement,  prove  sufficient  to  accomplish  so  small  an 
end.  I  am  somewhat  surprised  at  your  suddenly  acquired 
modesty.  Or  have  you  also  some  private  scheme  to  carry 


My  Lady  Condescends  179 

out,  in  which  we  hold  a  part?  I  marvel  no  longer  at  the 
immense  power  you  Frenchmen  wield  among  these  cruel 
savages.  Those  whom  I  have  been  compelled  to  meet  with 
on  our  unfortunate  journey  have  appeared  sufficiently  bar- 
barous, both  as  regards  dress  and  manners,  to  be  fully  at 
home  around  their  hideous  council  fires." 

"  Is  it  possible  you  can  thus  refer  to  me,  Mademoiselle  ?  " 

She  glanced  down  at  my  face  once  more  carelessly,  her 
eyebrows  arched  as  though  in  some  surprise  at  my  venturing 
thus  to  question  her. 

"  You,  like  all  the  others,  boast  over  loudly  of  possessing 
influence  among  these  red  murderers  of  women  and  chil- 
dren —  a  proud  boast  surely,"  she  consented  to  reply  coldly, 
a  sting  in  each  word.  "  You  are  apparently  upon  terms  of 
the  warmest  friendship.  I  confess  I  can  distinguish  but 
small  difference  in  this  respect  between  master  and  man; 
all  seem  tarred  with  the  same  stick.  Yet  my  reference  was 
directed  more  especially  toward  that  class  of  border  canaille 
who  are  just  behind  us.  That  disgusting  Quilleriez,  for 
instance,  with  his  fluttering  ribbons,  his  mincing  manner, 
and  his  apish  smirkings,  is  almost  my  beau  ideal  of  the 
French  people,  as  cruel  at  heart  as  they  are  cowardly  in 
action.  Faith,  one  stout  English  arm  would  be  worth  the 
whole  seven  yonder." 

The  blood  leaped  into  my  face  as  these  cold,  deliberate, 
seemingly  studied,  words  of  insult  reached  me,  yet  I  mas- 
tered my  first  unwise  impulse  to  retort  hotly,  contenting 
myself  with  a  quiet  bow,  my  teeth  pressed  together  in  an 
effort  to  remain  silent. 

"  I  regret  your  evident  prejudice,  Mademoiselle,  and 
hardly  believe  the  people  of  my  country  deserve  such  unfair 
classification.  History,  at  least,  if  we  may  accept  its  decision, 
would  seem  to  absolve  them  from  such  charges,"  I  said 
finally,  and  my  voice,  like  hers,  was  icy.  "  I  am  not  myself 
an  ardent  admirer  of  the  Quilleriez  type  of  Frenchman,  any 


1 80  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

more  than  I  am  of  Black  Peter,  as  a  representative  of  the 
English.  The  frontier  breeds  rudeness  and  eccentricity, 
irrespective  of  a  man's  birthplace.  Yet  I  had  hoped  that 
now,  my  rank  having  been  revealed  and  established,  we 
might  meet  upon  a  certain  social  equality,  if  not  that  of 
personal  friendship." 

She  looked  away  from  me,  her  eyes  wandering  indiffer- 
ently across  the  landscape,  thus  permitting  me  to  mark  anew 
the  fairness  of  her  profile  as  outlined  against  the  blue  sky 
beyond. 

"  It  is  not  very  much  to  be  a  Captain  hi  this  wilderness," 
she  commented  finally.  "  I  met  upon  the  lower  river  many  in 
laced  coats  in  your  service  who  could  scarcely  write  their 
names.  It  requires  but  little  brain,  I  should  imagine,  to 
exercise  command  over  savages,  or  such  other  riff-raff  as 
wear  French  uniforms  in  these  backwoods.  I  have  heard 
it  said  that  the  offscourings  of  the  service  are  banished 
here,  to  purge  them  of  their  sins." 

"  I  won  my  rank  in  the  Hussars  of  Languedoc,  and  upon 
European  battlefields." 

"  Indeed  ?  How  extremely  interesting !  It  would  seem 
rather  a  strange  choice  which  exiled  you  from  so  pleasant 
a  service.  One  rather  suspects  there  may  have  been  a 
cause,  Monsieur." 

"  There  is  usually  a  cause  for  most  of  the  changes  in  life. 
Yet  my  being  here  is  scarcely  more  to  be  wondered  at,  than 
that  Alene  Maitland  should  choose  such  a  wilderness  road 
as  this  upon  which  to  travel  unattended." 

She  swept  her  eyes  across  me  in  one  quick,  impetuous 
glance  of  indignant  scorn,  before  which  my  eyes  did  not  sink 
and  quail  as  she  had  perhaps  anticipated. 

"  You  are  becoming  most  impertinent,  Monsieur,"  she 
exclaimed  haughtily.  "  While  it  is  not  my  choice,  and  has 
never  been,  that  we  travel  thus,  the  necessity  for  our  doing 
so  does  not  concern  you,  nor  does  it  mean  that  I  am  there- 


My  Lady  Condescends  181 

fore  compelled  to  treat  with  even  a  degree  of  intimacy 
every  ragged  mendicant  met  upon  the  road,  though  he 
boast  of  bearing  a  French  commission." 

If  her  purpose  in  using  such  language  was  to  anger 
me,  she  failed  utterly,  for  I  was  unable  to  believe  she  was 
engaged  otherwise  than  in  the  acting  of  a  part.  Someway 
her  eyes  belied  her  lips,  and  to  their  gentler  story  my  heart 
made  its  response. 

"  The  world-wide  claims  of  what  is  known  as  ordinary 
courtesy,"  I  replied  calmly,  my  glance  meeting  her  own 
fairly,  "  should  appeal  to  the  true  lady  in  this  wilderness, 
as  well  as  anywhere  else,  Mademoiselle.  Waiving  utterly, 
for  the  time,  all  my  claim  to  being  an  officer  and  gentleman, 
to  please  your  humor,  I  am  at  least  a  man  who  has  ever 
shown  you  both  respect  and  kindness.  Surely  you  do  not 
deem  all  the  manhood  in  this  world  to  be  enveloped  beneath 
red  coats  ?  " 

"  I  confess  I  can  perceive  little  enough  of  it  in  anyone 
who  will  consent  to  act  as  messenger  to  such  a  fiend  as 
Pontiac." 

Ah,  I  had  unmasked  her  battery.  So  this  then  was  the 
secret  of  that  distrust  and  dislike  which  added  so  greatly 
to  her  disdain  of  me. 

"  That  must  depend  somewhat  as  to  the  nature  of  his  mes- 
sage—  even  Englishmen,  no  doubt,  have  had  occasion 
to  visit  that  chief  in  his  camp." 

"  Ay !  to  demand  justice,  to  threaten  retaliation,  to 
redeem  captives,  but  never  to  encourage  him  in  his  raids  of 
murder.  You  perceive,  Monsieur,  I  am  not  altogether 
ignorant  of  your  purpose,  and  only  absolute  necessity  com- 
pels me  to  accept  your  protection." 

These  sharp  words  really  stung  me;  they  were  not 
altogether  untrue,  and  I  must  have  exhibited  momentary 
embarrassment,  for  she  laughed  a  bit  scornfully. 

"  You  have  been   endeavoring  to  learn  exactly  what  I 


1 82  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

thought,  Monsieur,"  she  continued  coolly.  "  Very  well,  I 
have  told  you  at  last,  and  with  sufficient  plainness,  I  trust.  I 
have  ever  been  somewhat  choice  as  to  my  company;  it  is 
a  peculiarity  I  cannot  in  the  least  overcome;  and,  while  I 
am  not  entirely  ungrateful  that  you  have  chosen  to  aid  us 
in  our  seeming  extremity,  yet  I  cannot  extend  to  you  as 
reward  a  friendship  I  do  not  in  the  least  feel.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  perhaps,  but  it  is  ever  in  my  thought,  that  you  are 
one  with  Pontiac  and  his  band  of  murderers ;  one  in  league 
with  that  choice  collection  of  cut-throats  yonder,"  and  she 
flung  her  hand  toward  the  Indians  in  front,  the  Canadians 
behind,  in  a  way  clearly  indicative  of  her  supreme  con- 
tempt, "  pawns  in  this  great  game  of  blood  being  played 
along  the  border.  Think  of  me  as  you  please,  Monsieur; 
I  am  an  English  girl,  a  soldier's  daughter,  with  no  sympa- 
thy in  my  heart  for  any  French  deceit,  nor  will  I  pretend 
to  have.  If  you  seek  after  the  hollow  flattery  of  a  welcom- 
ing smile,  and  the  flash  of  bright  eyes,  Rene  has  no  such 
scruples.  It  is  not  at  all  necessary  that  you  linger  here 
longer  by  my  side." 

The  indignation  she  thus  expressed  had  brought  a  rare 
color  to  her  cheeks,  and  I  could  not  crush  back  the  admira- 
tion from  my  eyes.  Saint  Denis!  but  I  only  loved  her  the 
more  for  the  rare  courage  of  her  words,  the  intense  loyalty 
of  her  actions.  I  think  she  read  it  written  plainly  there,  for 
she  turned  hastily  away,  her  hands  toying  nervously  with 
her  horse's  mane. 

"  You  sadly  misunderstand  both  myself  and  my  motives, 
Mademoiselle,"  I  said,  my  voice  firm  now  with  growing 
purpose.  "  I  also  possess  ideals  with  which  I  seek  to  guide 
my  life.  I  beg  that  you  listen  to  me  for  a  moment.  I  am 
indeed  an  officer  of  France,  and,  as  such,  should  be  un- 
worthy my  uniform  should  I  neglectfully  fail  in  carrying  out 
that  duty  entrusted  me,  however  disagreeable  it  may  prove. 
I  bear,  as  you  suspect,  words  of  encouragement  from  Mon- 


My  Lady  Condescends  183 

sieur  de  Villiers  to  Pontiac,  but  I  accepted  this  special  ser- 
vice knowing  full  well  it  would  produce  absolutely  no  differ- 
ence in  the  result.  Every  Indian  whom  the  wily  Ottawa 
can  hope  to  influence  is  already  in  the  field;  no  French 
power  could  stem  those  fierce  warriors  who  have  already 
taken  up  the  hatchet;  no  vague  promises  from  Fort 
Chartres,  such  as  I  bring,  will  add  a  single  victim  to  the 
atrocities  of  the  frontier." 

She  had  turned  her  face  partially  back  toward  me,  and 
I  read  a  slight  awakening  interest  in  her  gray  eyes.  The 
earnestness  apparent  in  my  words  and  manner  was  having 
some  little  effect  upon  her. 

"  Doubtless  you  wonder,  then,  why  I  came,"  I  continued, 
greatly  encouraged  by  even  this  sign  of  aroused  animation. 
"  It  was  to  retrieve  my  personal  fortunes,  Mademoiselle, 
and,  under  God,  to  save  human  life.  You  may  know  very 
little  regarding  the  struggles  of  men  who  are  poverty- 
stricken,  and  smitten  by  the  sword  of  misfortune.  You  have 
read  of  such,  no  doubt,  but  they  are  always  afar  off,  and 
shadowy,  when  viewed  from  the  windows  of  fashionable 
London  drawing-rooms.  Yet  such  has  chanced  to  be  my 
fate,  a  fate  no  less  hard  to  combat  amid  this  lone  wilderness 
than  in  the  thronged  courts  of  Europe.  To  such  as  I  service 
is  service,  and  one  becomes  not  over  nice  in  choosing.  Mon- 
sieur de  Villiers  required  a  messenger,  a  man  acquainted 
with  the  secrets  of  the  woods,  the  ways  of  savages ;  a  man 
whom  he  could  trust  in  a  situation  somewhat  delicate  to 
uphold  the  diplomacy  of  France.  He  offered  that  post  to 
me.  Should  I  have  said  no,  Mademoiselle,  and  gone  forth 
into  the  forests  to  starve?  Those  were  the  only  two  alter- 
natives. Had  I  chosen  the  latter  course,  would  there  not 
have  been  others,  less  conscientious  perhaps,  who  would  have 
performed  his  will  ?  " 

Her  eyes  were  becoming  softer  in  expression,  her  lips 
were  slightly  parted,  but  she  merely  shook  her  head  in 


1 84  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

response  to  my  questioning,  as  though  she  chose  not  to 
answer  it. 

"  I  accepted  that  service  proffered,  Mademoiselle,  this 
post  which  promised  danger  in  plenty,  with  a  possibility  of 
reward  and  honor  for  him  who  performed  well  the  work 
assigned.  It  was  the  deliberate  choice  of  a  man  and  a 
soldier,  and  therefore  may  not  appeal  to  a  woman  governed 
by  her  prejudices,  yet  it  was  not  altogether  selfishness  that 
swayed  my  decision.  I  had  this  thought,  Mademoiselle,  that 
once  established  in  Pontiac's  camp,  I  might  be  of  some  aid 
to  English  captives,  might  even  influence  the  savages  to 
greater  mercy  in  their  onslaughts  and  forest  tortures.  I 
tell  you  this  not  merely  in  hope  of  thus  winning  your  better 
opinion;  it  has  been  in  my  mind  from  the  first,  and  was 
freely  discussed  with  Madame  Le  Comte  the  night  of 
my  departure  from  Fort  Chartres.  So  deeply  did  she  sym- 
pathize in  this  purpose,  she  intrusted  to  me  an  amulet  having 
Pontiac's  totem  burnt  upon  it  —  evidence  surely  that  my 
mission  possessed  virtue  in  her  eyes.  You  have  faith  in 
Madame  Le  Comte,  Mademoiselle  ?  " 

"  Most  assuredly ;  she  is  a  woman  of  character.  Would 
that  we  had  been  influenced  by  her  advice." 

"  I  certainly  hoped  you  might  yield  to  her  better  judg- 
ment. Yet,  now  that  you  are  here,  with  grave  peril  lurking 
upon  every  side  of  you,  and  no  English  arm  able  to  defend, 
what  real  necessity  exists  for  your  longer  treating  me  as 
though  I  were  a  mere  forest  vagabond,  a  companion  of  red 
banditti  ?  Mademoiselle,  I  have  been  privileged  to  see  some- 
thing of  courts  in  other  and  happier  days;  I  know  their 
ceremony  and  their  pride,  and  hence  can  comprehend  fully 
the  vast  barrier  of  caste  existing  between  us.  I  have  no 
desire  to  presume,  nor  to  intrude,  but  fate,  for  the  time 
being,  has  made  us  companions  in  this  wilderness ;  it  is 
only  for  a  day,  perchance,  and  then  a  wider  gulf  than  the 
great  sea  will  roll  between.  Yet  for  that  single  day,  I 


My  Lady  Condescends  185 

alone  stand  between  you  and  a  most  serious  danger ;  I  stand 
there  as  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman,  and  as  a  soldier  and  a 
gentleman,  willing  to  brave  death  for  your  sake  if  need  arise, 
I  claim  the  simple  right  to  your  confidence  and  your 
courtesy." 

Her  face  flushed,  the  bright  color  sweeping  across  it  like 
a  wave,  and  there  was  a  misty  glimmering  in  her  lowered 
eyes  that  made  me  think  of  tears.  As  if  impelled  by  a 
sudden  rush  of  nobler  feeling,  she  impulsively  held  out 
her  hand. 

"  Captain  de  Coubert,  you  have  put  me  to  shame,"  she 
acknowledged  with  a  frankness  that  startled  me.  "  I  am 
not  indifferent,  and,  however  I  may  have  appeared,  I  have 
never  been.  It  seems  my  nature  to  appear  distrustful 
toward  all  strangers,  especially  those  not  of  my  own  people. 
I  have  misunderstood  your  motives,  and  in  doing  so  have 
wronged  myself  as  well  as  you."  She  bowed  her  head 
slightly  above  her  horse's  neck,  as  though  it  was  easier 
to  speak  freely  with  her  face  thus  partially  hidden  from 
my  gaze.  "  Perhaps  you  will  better  comprehend  my  pecu- 
liar situation  if  I  explain  frankly,  and  I  certainly  owe  you 
such  explanation  of  my  conduct  as  is  possible  to  offer.  I 
have  never  before  been  absent  from  England,  and  even 
while  there  have  always  lived  among  those  whose  respect- 
ability and  social  position  were  of  the  highest.  I  imbibed 
from  earliest  childhood  a  prejudice  of  class,  of  rank,  which 
seemingly  has  become  habitual.  One  cannot  fling  aside 
the  restraint  of  such  environment  in  a  moment,  or  become 
democratic  through  a  mere  change  of  residence.  My  world 
has  been  very  narrow  and  selfish,  aristocratic  and  proud. 
Is  it  altogether  strange  then,  that,  plunged  suddenly  into 
this  uncouth  wilderness,  where  I  must  daily  meet  and  asso- 
ciate with  rude  adventurers,  soldiers  of  fortune,  and  vaga- 
bonds of  every  type,  most  of  them  but  little  better  than  those 
naked  savages  they  rule,  I  felt  my  only  safety  from  con- 


1 86  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

tamination  to  lie  in  a  cold  reserve,  a  marked  indifference  to 
their  good  opinion?  Rene  has  other  weapons  of  defence, 
including  a  tongue  ever  quick  in  repartee  and  a  disposition 
aglow  with  sunshine,  but  I  am  quiet  and  reserved,  Monsieur, 
and  it  has  always  been  my  nature  to  appear  distant  in  the 
presence  of  strangers." 

She  glanced  aside  at  me,  almost  with  shyness,  as  if  she 
would  read  my  verdict  although  my  lips  remained  closed. 

"  This  strange,  drear  land  rests  as  a  weight  upon  my 
spirits,"  she  continued,  her  soft  voice  trembling  with 
aroused  feeling.  "  I  cannot  shake  off  the  depressing  influ- 
ence of  its  brooding  forests,  its  lonely  rivers,  its  vast  deso- 
late plains,  with  all  the  savagery  and  horror  that  haunt 
their  grim  shadows.  Every  waving  tree  oppresses  me  like 
some  spectre  of  evil  omen,  while  each  red,  skulking  form 
seems  the  very  incarnation  of  lust  and  murder.  And,  Mon- 
sieur I  do  not,  in  the  least,  comprehend  you  French.  The 
carelessness  with  which  you  play  with  death  and  outrage, 
your  total  indifference  to  Indian  atrocity,  your  childlike 
laughter  and  abandon  in  the  midst  of  all  this  gloom,  this 
squalid  frontier  misery,  is  to  me  as  a  sealed  book.  So, 
Monsieur,  am  I  altogether  to  be  blamed  because  I  am  thus 
lonely,  reserved,  perchance  even  cold,  in  the  midst  of  such 
things,  so  alien  to  all  I  have  ever  known  in  the  past?  I 
am  an  English  girl,  Monsieur,  the  victim  of  my  birth  and 
training." 

There  was  a  pathetic  plea  in  her  low  voice,  as  though  she 
begged  me  to  yield  her  just  judgment  —  a  surrender 
apparently  so  complete  that,  never  once  thinking  of  it  as 
being  a  liberty,  I  gently  placed  my  hand  upon  her  own  where 
it  rested  ungloved  against  the  horse's  mane. 

"  I  pray  you  say  no  more,  Mademoiselle,"  I  answered, 
deeply  moved  by  her  words,  and  drawn  closer  to  her  by 
this  sudden  rending  of  pride.  "  Each  must  view  life  through 
those  eyes  given  by  God.  I  can  only  hope  that  in  me  — 


My  Lady  Condescends  187 

French  as  I  am  by  birth  and  soldierly  discipline  —  you  may 
discover  something  in  which  you  can  place  confidence; 
something  you  can  trust  even  in  the  midst  of  this  desolate 
wilderness." 

She  had  not  withdrawn  her  hand  from  beneath  mine,  and 
now  our  eyes  met.  I  saw  the  fair  face,  flushed  with  emotion, 
the  light  hair  somewhat  dishevelled  by  the  breeze,  the  earnest 
gaze  with  which  she  seemed  to  read  my  every  purpose.  For 
the  moment  neither  spoke,  each  seemingly  a  prisoner  to 
uncertainty. 

"  I  believe  I  can,"  she  murmured  with  trembling  lips. 
"  God  knows  I  need  all  that  you  now  offer  me,  Captain  de 
Coubert.  I  have  been  utterly  alone  here  so  long,  for  Rene 
does  not  really  think,  she  merely  lives.  She  is  like  a  kitten, 
as  playful  on  the  kitchen  hearth  as  upon  a  parlor  rug,  and  we 
have  so  few  things  in  common,  save  only  our  pleasant 
memory  of  England.  I  am  very  sure  you  will  pardon  me 
if  I  say  it,  but  the  truth  is,  I  have  scarcely  even  looked  upon 
you  before.  To  me  you  were  merely  a  coureur  de  bois,  one 
of  those  hundreds  I  have  been  compelled  to  meet  upon  our 
journey,  and  consequently  I  felt  no  interest  whatever  in  your 
person.  It  must  have  been  the  clothes,  Monsieur  —  we 
women  are  ever  blind  in  such  matters  —  for  I  can  perceive 
now  you  possess  the  features  and  bearing  of  a  gentleman. 
As  such  I  give  you  my  full  confidence." 

I  cannot  fitly  convey  in  language  the  gracious  unbending 
of  her  manner,  the  slight  and  witching  coquetry  of  her 
words.  They  were  as  if  she  kissed  me  with  moist  lips ; 
there  was  a -subtle  caress  in  her  smile,  even  while  her  eyes 
plainly  warned  me  to  venture  upon  no  return.  The  lesson 
was  conveyed  by  a  glance,  and  although  my  heart  throbbed 
in  riotous  tumult,  I  durst  not  reveal  the  mad  hope  which 
thrilled  me  by  either  word  or  gesture.  No  captive  ever 
stood  more  helpless  in  his  bonds. 

"  I  shall  strive  to  prove  myself  worthy  of  your  trust, 


1 88  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Mademoiselle,"  was  all  I  dared  to  utter,  bowing  low  before 
her,  "  and  I  desire  only  that  some  day  I  may  be  remembered 
among  your  friends." 

A  hand  touched  me  upon  the  sleeve,  and  I  turned  hastily 
to  confront  Monsieur  Quilleriez. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

I   ADMINISTER    CHASTISEMENT    UNTO    MONSIEUR    QUILLERIEZ. 

A  SINGLE  rapid  glance  into  the  solemn  face  of  the 
diminutive  Commissary,  and  at  the  threatening  atti- 
tude of  the  group  of  Canadians  backing  him,  was  sufficient 
to  convince  me  of  approaching  trouble.  I  looked  around 
apprehensively,  but  nothing  appeared  on  either  side  which 
threatened  danger,  and  my  eyes  fell  once  again  upon  that 
vain  little  fool  fronting  me  so  bellicosely,  naked  blade  in 
hand. 

"  Well,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  I  asked  somewhat  harshly, 
resenting  this  unwelcome  intrusion,  "  what  may  be  the  cause 
for  all  this  rudeness,  and  especially  what  means  that  tuck 
in  your  hand?  Surely  you  cannot  expect  thus  to  frighten 
me?" 

He  flung  his  head  back,  throwing  out  his  chest  in  most 
ridiculous  mimicry  of  military  dignity,  while  giving  to  his 
words  a  sound  of  bluster  decidedly  amusing.  Evidently  he 
had  worked  himself  up  to  a  supreme  effort  at  boldness. 

"  I  have  been  counselling  with  my  brave  men,  Monsieur, 
as  we  marched  behind  you,  and  we  have  decided  between  us 
that  if  you  are  in  truth,  as  you  claim  to  be,  a  messenger  from 
Fort  Chartres,  you  will  necessarily  possess  papers  in  proof 
of  your  authority." 

"  I  have  already  told  you  I  did  —  do  you  dare  question 
my  word,  Monsieur  Quilleriez  ?  " 

He  drew  back  a  step,  eyeing  me  doubtfully,  although  his 
courage  was  not  yet  wholly  evaporated. 


190  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  'T  is  not  so  much  that  I  doubt,  but  I  must  perform  my 
sworn  duty,  Monsieur,  however  painful  it  may  be.  Etienne 
Quilleriez  is  not  one  to  hesitate  because  of  physical  fear." 

"Well?" 

"  As  commander  of  this  party  it  becomes  my  right  to 
demand  sight  of  those  papers." 

"  Indeed,  and  for  what  special  purpose,  Monsieur 
Quilleriez?" 

"  That  both  I  and  my  brave  men  may  be  fully  convinced 
you  are  what  you  represent  yourself  to  be.  Pontiac  has  par- 
ticularly instructed  me  never  to  trouble  him  with  prisoners." 

"  Ah !  And  so  then  we  are  prisoners,  Monsieur  ? "  I 
asked,  becoming  decidedly  angry  by  this  time,  and  com- 
mencing to  glare  down  savagely  upon  the  pitiful  creature, 
who  took  another  step  backward  toward  the  protection  of 
his  followers.  "  Saint  Denis !  but  I  had  supposed  we  merely 
advanced  to  council,  escorted  by  a  guard  of  honor.  I  retain 
no  recollection  of  any  surrender,  my  friend." 

He  wet  his  lips,  already  becoming  dry  from  apprehension, 
yet  answered  me  bravely  enough,  puffing  out  his  cheeks  to 
give  added  bravado  to  his  utterance.  Beyond  doubt  the 
Canadians  had  been  taunting  him  severely  to  cause  him  to 
venture  upon  such  an  exhibition  of  authority. 

"  If  you  possess  not  the  papers,  Monsieur,  then  we  shall 
be  compelled,  by  the  exigencies  of  war,  to  hold  you  prisoner, 
as  an  enemy  to  our  noble  cause." 

"  But  I  tell  you  I  do  possess  the  papers,  Monsieur  le 
Commissaire,  although,  as  I  believe  I  already  plainly  in- 
formed you  yonder,  they  are  intended  for  the  private  peru- 
sal of  Pontiac,"  I  returned  shortly,  thinking  this  would  end 
the  matter,  "  not  for  the  amusement  of  every  shallow-pated 
jackanapes  he  sends  out  with  his  mongrel  raiding  parties." 

"  Then,  Monsieur,  it  will  become  our  painful  duty  to  take 
them  from  you  by  force.  We,  who  have  already  freely  laid 
our  lives  upon  the  altar  of  our  beloved  country,  will  hesitate 


I  Administer  Chastisement  191 

at  no  sacrifice,  no  threat  of  personal  peril,  in  the  discharge  of 
our  duty.  As  a  lover  of  peace,  Monsieur,  I  would  advise 
you  not  to  resist." 

I  looked  at  the  little  fool,  swelling  up  before  me  like  a 
toad,  too  thoroughly  astonished  at  his  valiant  demeanor  to 
find  immediate  words  for  reply.  He  stood  there  like  an 
angry  but  diminutive  turkey  cock,  bristling  all  over,  his 
drawn  sword  shining  maliciously  in  the  sun,  while  close  at 
his  back  bunched  his  gray-coated  followers.  Nor  was  the 
situation  altogether  laughable,  as  neither  Cassady  nor  I 
possessed  weapons,  other  than  our  short  hunting  knives. 
For  the  moment  I  remained  undecided,  striving  to  discover 
some  safe  way  out  —  fighting  was  not  to  be  thought  of, 
it  would  inevitably  end  in  our  overthrow  and  place  Mademoi- 
selle and  Rene  in  gravest  peril.  Nor  was  I  disposed  to  yield 
up  my  papers  into  such  hands.  What  then  remained?  I 
stole  a  quick  glance  at  the  two,  marking  their  startled  faces, 
with  the  eager  battle  light  already  flaming  up  into  Cassady's 
blue  eyes. 

"  I  give  you  one  minute,  Monsieur,"  broke  in  Monsieur 
Quilleriez  sharply,  his  thin  voice  vibrant  with  excitement, 
evidently  given  fresh  audacity  by  my  apparent  hesitation. 
"  One  minute ;  then  I  shall  resort  to  force." 

I  turned  my  face  partially  away  from  him,  wondering 
what  part  the  Indians  might  be  disposed  to  take  in  this  new 
fiasco.  They  had  halted  at  the  first  sound  of  our  verbal 
controversy,  and  were  now  slowly  edging  toward  us,  their 
naked  bodies  gleaming  like  bronze  in  the  sun,  their  eyes 
full  of  eagerness  for  trouble.  The  big  fellow  wearing  the 
eagle  wing  in  his  scalp-lock,  whom  I  supposed  to  be  their 
chief,  was  slightly  in  advance  of  those  others,  and  not  more 
than  three  yards  from  me.  As  I  looked  fairly  into  his  face, 
I  recalled  by  chance  a  well-known  peculiarity  of  Indian 
character  —  their  innate  love  of  personal  bravery  and 
prowess,  their  disdain  of  cowardice.  I  smiled  grimly. 


192  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

S acre  I  it  was  full  time  this  Monsieur  Quilleriez  received 
his  lesson. 

"  Do  you  understand  English  ?  "  I  questioned  in  that 
language,  knowing  it  to  be  unknown  to  the  Commissary,  my 
eyes  upon  the  stolid  face  of  the  chief. 

"  Me  hear  it  ver'  well,"  he  replied  clearly,  instantly  stop- 
ping upon  my  thus  directly  addressing  him. 

"  Good ;  you  are  an  Ojibway,  and  a  chief  —  what  name  ?  " 

"  Wasson." 

"  Wasson  ?  "  I  echoed  the  word,  as  if  its  familiarity  sur- 
prised and  greatly  delighted  me.  "  Wasson !  Ay,  and 
a  great  chief !  'T  is  a  name  known  even  to  us  far  away  in 
the  Illinois  country  as  that  of  a  mighty  warrior.  Sacrel 
I  wonder  much,  Wasson,  that  such  a  brave  as  you  should 
ever  consent  to  take  orders  from  a  little  white  squaw.  Mark 
you  now,  I  am  going  to  show  you  what  a  real  French  sol- 
dier thinks  of  such  a  grinning  mountebank  as  that  fellow 
yonder." 

"  See  here,"  burst  in  Quilleriez's  squeaking  voice  angrily. 
"  Stop  your  talking  that  gibberish,  and  let  me  know  what 
you  intend  to  do." 

"  Certainly,  with  pleasure,  Monsieur  le  Commissaire," 
I  answered,  my  plan  instantly  decided  upon,  and  wheeling 
quickly  to  face  him  as  I  spoke.  Before  he  could  obtain 
faintest  glimmering  as  to  my  purpose,  I  laid  tight  grip  upon 
the  collar  of  his  gray  coat,  and  with  one  quick  jerk  flung 
him  face  downward  across  my  knee,  holding  him  there,  in 
spite  of  his  frantic  wriggling  and  wild  yells  for  help,  while, 
shortening  it  to  the  hand,  I  applied  with  vigor  the  flat  of  his 
own  blade  to  his  upturned  person.  Saint  Denis!  but  it 
caused  a  fine  uproar!  I  saw  the  Canadians  start  fiercely 
forward,  their  guns  uplifted,  then  pause  and  burst  into 
peals  of  uproarious  laughter  at  the  ridiculous  plight  of  their 
discomfited  leader.  Confident  they  would  not  interfere 
while  in  their  present  humor,  I  whirled  my  helpless  victim 


I  Administer  Chastisement  193 

partially  around,  so  I  might  also  behold  the  savages,  con- 
tinuing to  belabor  him  to  the  best  of  my  ability.  They  were 
grouped  and  motionless,  every  face  set  in  lines  of  true  Indian 
gravity,  yet  with  their  dark  eyes  gleaming  in  appreciation  of 
the  scene. 

And  I  laid  that  bit  of  tough  steel  on  good  and  strong,  I 
promise  you,  while  the  little  fool  writhed  and  twisted, 
squirmed  and  kicked,  his  face  growing  red  and  inflamed 
from  impotent  passion,  his  hands  gripping  wildly  at  my 
legs,  his  lips  emitting  howls  of  pain  and  terror,  his  tongue 
hanging  out  as  I  twisted  his  collar  tighter  to  hold  him  quiet 
—  laid  it  on,  until  laughter  and  fatigue  combined  weakened 
my  arm,  and  then  I  flung  him  sprawling  out  into  the  tall 
grass,  yelping  like  a  whipped  dog  as  he  fell  and  lay  there 
cowering. 

"  Wasson,"  I  said,  panting  yet  from  exertion,  but  realiz- 
ing the  necessity  of  prompt  action,  "  you  are  a  great  chief. 
I  have  shown  you  a  white  squaw.  It  is  not  fit  that  you  take 
orders  from  such  as  he.  Now  I  ask  you,  with  your  warriors, 
to  guard  us  to  Pontiac." 

"  We  all  Ojibways,"  he  answered,  but  with  a  tone  of 
respect  that  encouraged  me.  "  We  no  go  into  Ottawa 
camp." 

"  Then  lead  us  as  far  as  you  dare,  and  we  will  venture 
the  rest  alone.  I  am  also  a  warrior,  a  chief,  and  I  will  march 
no  longer  under  the  command  of  a  squaw." 

He  looked  down  upon  the  grovelling  Quilleriez,  yet  half 
hidden  in  the  tall  grass  where  I  had  flung  him,  his  eyes 
filled  with  silent  Indian  contempt,  then  back  once  more  into 
my  face  where  I  stood  fronting  him. 

"  Ugh !  "  he  grunted,  with  a  wave  of  his  hand.  "  You 
great  chief;  Wasson  great  chief;  little  man  dog  —  Ojib- 
ways take  you  to  Pontiac." 

There  remained  but  one  thing  to  do  —  an  instant  accept- 
ance of  this  pledge  before  Indian  vacillation  could  change 


194  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

this  decision.  Yet  first  an  exhibition  of  further  contempt 
for  the  miserable  Commissary  might  strengthen  my  hold 
upon  the  admiration  of  the  savages.  I  strode  over  to  the 
wretch,  his  naked  sword  grasped  in  my  hand,  realizing  as 
I  did  so  that  the  Corporal  was  close  upon  my  heels,  his 
round  face  aglow  with  amusement. 

"  I  return  you  your  blade,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  I  said 
sternly,  flinging  it  carelessly  down  beside  him  upon  the 
grass,  "  and  you  had  better  keep  it  hereafter  to  use  against 
Pontiac's  enemies,  not  his  friends.  You  may  follow  us  or 
not,  just  as  you  please,  but  if  either  you,  or  your  men,  dare 
lift  a  hand  again  to  bar  our  progress  it  will  be  done  at  your 
peril.  I  am  through  with  play,  Monsieur." 

I  permitted  him  to  read  my  purpose  a  moment  in  set  face 
and  stern  eye,  then  turned  aside  from  him  in  utter  disregard 
of  the  words  struggling  from  his  lips. 

"  Lead  on  along  the  trail,  chief !  "  I  commanded  briefly. 
"  We  will  follow  you  as  before." 

There  was  the  faintest  twinkle  of  a  smile  in  Mademoi- 
selle's gray  eyes  as  I  glanced  up  at  her,  my  hand  already 
upon  the  bridle,  but  I  was  still  a  bit  uncertain  as  to  the  final 
outcome,  and  in  no  mood  for  converse.  Cassady  hesitated 
for  an  instant,  glancing  back,  as  if  in  doubt  of  their  purpose, 
at  the  little  party  of  gray-coats  gathered  around  their  dis- 
comfited leader,  but  at  my  peremptory  order  he  caught  up 
the  rein  of  Mademoiselle  Rene's  horse,  and  stolidly  resumed 
the  march.  I  could  see  her  lean  over  to  talk  with  him,  her 
dark  eyes  sparkling,  while  their  outbursts  of  laughter 
mingled  pleasantly;  evidently  this  unusual  incident  of  the 
trail  had  served  to  greatly  amuse  them  both,  nor  were  they 
troubled  by  any  serious  thought  as  to  its  possible  conse- 
quences. But  I  was  not  nearly  so  certain,  now  that  the 
excitement  had  somewhat  passed  away,  and  no  doubt  my 
expression  indexed  my  perplexity,  for  as  I  glanced  aside  once 
more  into  the  fair  face  of  my  own  lady,  the  curve  of  sup- 


I  Administer  Chastisement  195 

pressed  laughter  had  vanished  from  her  lips,  while  her  seri- 
ous gray  eyes  met  mine  almost  in  disapproval. 

"  I  am  inclined  to  be  sorry  that  you  did  that,  Captain  de 
Coubert,"  she  ventured  at  last,  yet  speaking  with  the  utmost 
gentleness.  "  Monsieur  Quilleriez  is  such  a  ridiculous  creat- 
ure, and  it  was  all  so  comical,  I  was  compelled  to  smile, 
yet  it  has  surely  made  us  an  enemy  who  may  possess  power 
to  work  much  injury.  Besides  it  was  so  extremely  humili- 
ating. Was  it  truly  necessary,  Monsieur?" 

"  I  saw  clearly  no  other  way  for  the  moment,"  I  answered, 
feeling  almost  compelled  to  admit  her  thus  fully  into  my 
confidence,  "  and  the  fellow  angered  me  beyond  endurance 
by  his  boyish  threatenings.  It  may  have  been  a  mistake 
to  thus  chastise  him  before  his  men,  and  perhaps  would  have 
been  easier  settled  had  I  privately  submitted  my  papers  to 
him." 

"  Why  did  you  not  do  so  ?  " 

"  The  reason,  I  fear,  was  largely  my  own  stubbornness 
and  temper,  although  I  was  somewhat  influenced  by  the 
nature  of  my  instructions.  My  mission  to  the  Ottawas  con- 
tains a  measure  of  secrecy,  and  Monsieur  de  Villiers  would 
not  be  pleased  did  its  purpose  leak  out  along  the  road.  Do 
those  gray-coats  still  follow  us?" 

She  glanced  back  across  her  shoulder. 

"  They  are  some  three  hundred  yards  in  our  rear,"  she 
responded  slowly,  "  and  are  talking  much  among  them- 
selves as  they  walk,  but  Monsieur  Quilleriez  seems  unusually 
quiet." 

The  grave  look  in  her  eyes  made  me  feel  that  she 
was  taking  this  matter  of  the  Commissary's  punishment 
far  too  seriously,  and  I  made  effort  to  reassure  her,  hope- 
ful of  a  return  to  the  delightful  intimacy  of  our  former 
conversation. 

"  Oh,  well,  it  is  not  a  serious  affair  over  which  we  need 
worry,"  and  I  smiled  up  into  her  face.  "  They  dare  do  no 


196  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

more  than  make  complaint  to  Pontiac,  and  I  shall  have  little 
difficulty  in  making  him  see  this  occurrence  from  my  stand- 
point." 

Her  glance  was  not  upon  me  as  I  spoke,  nor  could  I  per- 
ceive any  gleam  of  amusement  in  her  gray  eyes,  although 
she  watched  those  two  laughing  children  in  our  front.  Evi- 
dently she  was  in  a  mood  of  soberness,  and  not  so  well 
pleased  with  my  action  as  I  should  have  liked. 

"  You  dismiss  it  all  with  great  apparent  ease,  Monsieur," 
she  consented  to  remark  at  last,  as  if  feeling  the  necessity 
of  giving  me  some  answer,  "  but  I  gravely  doubt  if  Mon- 
sieur Quilleriez  will  prove  so  thoroughly  satisfied.  I  should 
have  supposed,  under  existing  circumstances,  you  would 
have  given  some  consideration  to  other  matters  than  merely 
your  military  instructions." 

"  To  what  do  you  refer,  Mademoiselle  ?  " 

"  To  nothing  that  seems  to  weigh  heavily  upon  your 
memory  —  merely  to  the  fact  of  your  having  assumed 
guardianship  over  two  ladies,  whose  unfortunate  position 
is  assuredly  not  rendered  any  more  safe  or  pleasant  by  such 
hasty  and  ill-considered  action,"  and  her  voice  betrayed 
an  unpleasant  coolness.  "  I  have  been  informed  by  military 
men  in  England  that  the  duties  of  a  gentleman  are  even 
paramount  to  those  of  a  soldier,  but  perchance  the  code  of 
France  may  be  different." 

This  sudden  change  of  front  upon  the  part  of  my  lady 
rather  startled  me,  nor  could  I  consider  it  as  altogether 
undeserved. 

"  I  have  sincerely  sought  to  combine  the  two,  Mademoi- 
selle, so  as  to  win  your  approbation,"  I  responded  with  a 
low  bow,  determined  not  to  encourage  her  present  temper. 
"  Nor  can  I  feel  myself  in  this  case  deserving  of  so  severe 
a  censure.  However,  let  us  discuss  the  matter  no  further, 
for  it  can  surely  do  no  good;  if  a  mistake  has  been  made 
I  shall  do  my  very  best  to  rectify  it." 


I  Administer  Chastisement  197 

I  caught  the  quick  downward  glance  of  her  eyes,  as 
though  she  would  surprise  thus  my  truer  meaning,  yet  she 
did  not  speak  again,  and  we  moved  on  in  silence,  each  seem- 
ingly absorbed  in  his  own  reflections.  I  know  not  what 
weight  of  possible  coming  disaster  may  have  oppressed  her, 
nor  why  this  matter  of  Monsieur  Quilleriez  should  thus 
have  lowered  her  spirits,  for  we  spoke  very  little  during 
the  remainder  of  our  journey,  and  when  I  attempted  con- 
verse upon  other  subjects  it  was  to  find  her  strangely  dis- 
traught and  cool.  The  trail  we  followed  continued  to  be  a 
broad  one,  and  we  advanced  rapidly,  so  rapidly  indeed  I 
found  the  pace  greatly  fatiguing  after  my  late  exertions, 
while  even  Cassady's  nimble  tongue  grew  quiet  as  he  became 
wearied  from  the  toil. 

The  early  haze  of  evening  discovered  us  skirting  the  edge 
of  a  heavy  forest,  and  occasionally,  when  the  fringe  of  inter- 
vening trees  grew  somewhat  narrower  upon  our  right,  we 
were  enabled  to  catch  fleeting  glimpses  of  the  Detroit  stock- 
ade, far  away  across  a  space  of  open  ground.  It  appeared 
dark  and  sombre  enough  in  the  gathering  shadows,  but 
the  English  flag  flapped  defiantly  against  the  sky,  and  once 
as  I  gazed  that  way,  the  sharp  spit  of  a  musket  left  for  an 
instant  a  red  flare  against  the  black  logs  in  evidence  that  its 
garrison  were  alert  and  ready.  Small  detached  parties  of 
Indians,  composed  of  warriors  from  various  tribes,  judging 
from  the  difference  in  paint  and  war-feathers,  were  passed 
here  and  there,  skulking  behind  low  bushes,  while  occasion- 
ally some  young  brave  would  send  a  chance  shot  whistling 
across  the  opening.  They  gazed  at  our  party  with  savage 
interest,  and  once  or  twice,  as  we  marched  slowly  past 
their  positions,  some  chief  of  authority  halted  Wasson 
with  questionings.  But  there  was  no  interference  with  our 
progress,  save  as  some  of  the  younger  and  more  impulsive 
warriors  would  cluster  thickly  about  us  in  curiosity,  peer- 
ing impudently  into  the  startled  faces  of  the  women,  and 


198  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

uttering  guttural  notes  of  admiration  or  surprise  at  their 
appearance. 

It  was  no  small  strain  upon  the  nerves  to  see  those  lean, 
naked  bodies  emerge  suddenly  from  out  the  black  shadows 
in  our  front,  stealing  as  silently  forth  from  their  hidden 
coverts  as  ghosts,  guns  in  hand,  knives  gleaming  at  their 
belts,  their  cruel  eyes  shining  ominously,  their  long  scalp- 
locks  waving  in  savage  bravery.  More  than  once  I  laid 
hand  softly  on  my  lady's  arm  seeking  to  quiet  her  at  some 
such  sudden  apparition  from  out  the  forest  gloom,  and 
twice  I  flung  aside  tawny  arms  that  impertinently  sought 
to  touch  her,  sternly  forcing  the  venturesome  savage  back 
from  our  path  by  a  grimness  of  demeanor  that  caused 
respect  for  my  authority.  One  thing  which  greatly  aided 
us  was  that  they  made  no  attempt  to  follow.  Evidently  they 
but  held  their  posts  around  the  besieged  stockade,  and  were 
restrained  by  discipline  sufficient  to  keep  them  otherwise 
harmless.  No  doubt  the  word  had  passed  along  their  line 
that  I  came  as  an  officer  from  Fort  Chartres,  and  they  real- 
ized the  futility  of  any  attempt  to  bar  our  progress.  Be 
this  as  it  may,  we  passed  freely,  except  for  the  usual  annoy- 
ances of  Indian  curiosity;  and  only  once  was  I  compelled 
to  restrain  Cassady's  recklessness,  when  he  thought  his  red 
neighbors  were  becoming  far  too  free. 

"  Push  back  your  knife !  "  I  commanded  sternly,  strid- 
ing up  to  him  through  a  ring  of  savages.  "  We  cannot  fight 
our  way  through  here,  you  fool;  so  let  your  Irish  wit  win 
passage  for  you." 

There  was  an  angry  glint  in  his  eyes,  as  he  swept  the 
scowling  faces,  but  his  fingers  instantly  fell  away  from  the 
hilt. 

"  Thin  lit  thim  rid  divils  kape  back  from  a-crowdin'  uv 
us,  sorr,"  he  returned  sullenly ;  "  an'  take  their  durty  hands 
off  uv  the  lady." 

Even  as  he  spoke  a  chief  strode  forth  into  the  midst  of 


I  Administer  Chastisement  199 

these  younger  warriors  —  a  stern-faced  man,  wearing  the 
war-bonnet  of  the  Wyandots,  his  great  frame  wrapped  in  a 
scarlet  blanket  —  and  scattered  them  with  an  authoritative 
wave  of  the  hand. 

"  Pass,  Frenchman,"  he  said  gravely.  "  Was-ca-las's 
braves  trouble  you  no  more." 

We  moved  slowly  on,  down  the  slope  into  a  slight  valley, 
the  grim  silence  of  the  night  settling  black  about  us,  and  the 
women  shrinking  at  each  gloomy  shadow  which  lined  our 
path.  I  saw  the  daring  Irishman  resting  his  hand  upon 
Rene's  as  he  carefully  led  her  horse  downward,  but  I  could 
venture  upon  no  such  familiarity,  merely  stealing  an  occa- 
sional glance  upward  into  the  fair,  averted  face  of  my  charge. 
It  was  this  way  we  forced  our  tedious  passage  onward 
through  the  gloom  until  we  arrived  beside  a  narrow,  shallow 
stream,  a  mere  glistening  snake  amid  the  tangled  forest 
trees.  Across,  and  beyond  the  wood  fringe  of  the  further 
shore,  a  huge  fire  blazed,  casting  its  red  gleam  over  the  inter- 
vening waters.  Within  its  wide  circle  of  light  I  could  per- 
ceive a  number  of  black  tepees,  about  which  passed  and 
repassed  a  variety  of  figures,  while  the  repulsive  beating  of  a 
tom-tom  reverberated  over  a  hubbub  of  other  noises. 

"  There  Ottawa  wigwams,"  said  Wasson,  his  body  shin- 
ing from  that  distant  glow,  his  finger  pointing  forward. 
"  Ojibways  stop  here ;  no  cross  water.  Frenchman  go,  find 
Pontiac." 


CHAPTER    XIX 

THE   BLACK    LODGES   OF   THE   OTTAWAS 

LIKE  so  many  dim  shadows  our  escort  noiselessly 
flitted  away  into  the  dense  forest  gloom  behind,  and 
we  were  left  there  alone,  peering  across  those  flame-tinged 
waters  at  the  camp  on  the  other  shore.  For  the  moment  I 
paused  irresolute,  feeling  that  which  must  have  been  akin 
to  fear  tugging  at  my  heartstrings  —  the  sights  and  sounds 
beyond  uniting  to  bring  back  the  memory  of  sufferings 
endured  far  to  the  southward.  So  keenly  did  I  experience 
this  that  it  unmanned  me.  Without  for  one  moment  doubt- 
ing our  safety  when  once  beneath  the  protecting  power  of 
Pontiac,  I  yet  could  not  wholly  rid  myself  of  the  haunting 
sense  of  danger  involved  in  bringing  those  helpless  women 
within  the  grasp  of  such  savage  fiends.  My  thought  must 
have  found  reflection  upon  my  face,  for  she  who  sat  her 
horse  beside  me  leaned  slightly  over  and  touched  me  kindly 
upon  the  shoulder. 

"What  is  it,  Captain  de  Coubert?"  she  questioned,  more 
gently  than  had  been  her  wont  of  late.  "  Do  you  also  fear 
the  result  of  our  crossing?  " 

I  shook  myself  into  activity,  thoroughly  ashamed  of  hav- 
ing exhibited  such  weakness,  and  smiled  back  into  her  eyes, 
which  were  filled  with  anxiety. 

"  I  was  oppressed  by  a  memory,  Mademoiselle,"  I  an- 
swered, striving  to  speak  carelessly.  "  The  sight  of  that 
village  yonder  brought  back  to  me  the  recollection  of  an 
experience  I  once  passed  through  among  the  Chickasaws, 
and  no  doubt  the  horror  of  it  found  expression  in  my  face, 


The  Black  Lodges  of  the  Ottawas       201 

But  you  may  be  of  good  courage;  I  come  to  this  camp  a 
most  welcome  visitant." 

These  words  were  scarcely  uttered,  and  her  eyes  were  yet 
upon  me  as  though  they  would  read  the  secret  behind  my 
brave  speech,  when  Rene  burst  forth  suddenly,  her  finger 
pointing  across  into  the  flaring  light. 

"  It  is  a  sight  full  of  horror ;  how  like  demons  they  appear 
against  the  flame  —  is  it  the  war  dance,  Monsieur  ?  " 

I  took  one  quick  glance  in  response  to  her  words,  nor 
could  I  wonder  greatly  at  the  terror  so  weird  a  spectacle 
inspired.  It  was  most  uncanny,  such  a  motley  commingling 
of  black  and  red,  of  shadow  and  flame,  punctuated  by  those 
dark  figures,  so  wildly  gesticulating  as  to  seem  demoniacal. 
The  great  forest  trees,  rising  high  overhead  and  blotting 
out  the  sky,  solemn  and  dense  with  foliage;  those  black 
tepees,  hideous  with  totem  marks  and  ever  suggestive  of 
grim  dark  secrets  hidden  behind  their  outer  foulness;  the 
naked  shining  figures,  with  long  coarse  hair  flying  unre- 
strained down  their  backs,  or  hideous  head-dresses  distort- 
ing their  appearance,  some  having  huge  crowns  of  feathers 
waving  above  them,  others  ornamented  by  spreading  horns, 
but  all  alike  keeping  time  to  that  dismal  pounding  of  the 
tom-tom  in  the  steps  of  a  grotesque  dance,  so  suggestive 
of  evil  in  its  mad  frenzy  as  to  be  fairly  devilish ;  while  over, 
all  glimmered  those  leaping  flames  as  the  great  fire  blazed 
up  with  increasing  volume,  driving  farther  back  the  night 
shadows.  It  was  like  looking  down  into  the  pit,  where 
Satan's  mad  imps  made  merry  over  the  loss  of  a  soul ;  it 
was  all  satanic,  fiendish,  full  of  an  inexpressible  cruelty,  a 
barbaric  ferocity  which  chilled  me  to  the  very  heart  as  I 
gazed. 

"  Ay,"  I  admitted  soberly,  "  it  is  the  war  dance.  A  bad 
time  for  us  to  appear,  yet  we  cannot  wait  long  where  we  are 
without  discovery,  and  it  will  be  far  better  to  proceed  with 
a  bold  front.  Corporal,  keep  firm  hand  on  the  bridle  of 


202  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Mademoiselle  Rene's  horse,  and  press  close  at  my  heels. 
Attempt  no  resistance,  but  do  not  permit  of  any  separation." 

"  Shure,  an'  wud  ye  be  thinkin'  there  moight  be  a  bit  uv 
throuble  ahed,  sorr  ?  " 

"  Those  fellows  yonder  are  fast  working  themselves  up 
into  the  war  frenzy,"  I  answered,  pointing  toward  them, 
"  and  may  prove  a  bit  rough  even  now  in  their  play,  unless 
there  be  some  powerful  chief  present  to  restrain  them.  We 
must  protect  the  women  at  all  hazards;  beyond  that  leave 
everything  to  me." 

I  grasped  my  lady's  horse  firmly  by  the  bit,  glancing  up 
at  her  face  as  I  did  so.  It  was  white  in  the  firelight,  yet 
her  gray  eyes  met  mine  bravely,  and  I  read  in  them  a  wel- 
come message  of  encouragement.  The  next  moment  I  had 
stepped  down  into  the  plashing  water. 

As  we  emerged  within  the  outer  circle  of  light  the  dancers 
immediately  caught  sight  of  us.  Above  the  dismal  discord 
of  the  war-drum  there  arose  a  sudden  wild  yell  of  exultant 
surprise,  while  a  hundred  warriors  rushed  across  the  nar- 
row open  space,  crowding  and  jamming  in  our  front,  their 
naked  arms  uplifted,  their  faces  yet  distorted  by  the  fierce 
passions  of  the  dance.  I  noticed  but  few  weapons ;  here  and 
there  a  knife  gleamed  aloft,  or  the  bright  blade  of  a  toma- 
hawk reflected  back  the  flames  as  it  was  wildly  brandished 
overhead,  but  the  majority  carried  sticks,  hardened  and 
blackened  in  the  fire,  which  they  swung  recklessly  in  our 
faces,  occasionally  prodding  the  frightened  horses  with  their 
sharpened  points.  It  was  no  mob  to  temporize  with,  and, 
for  the  moment,  as  they  surged  hard  against  us,  borne  down 
by  the  impetus  of  their  first  rush,  we  were  caught  as  in  a  vise, 
a  perfect  sea  of  faces  fronting  us,  a  tangled  mass  of  bodies 
pressing  hard  against  us  upon  every  side.  I  heard  a  shrill 
cry  of  terror  from  Rene,  an  oath  from  the  Irishman,  felt 
my  own  charge  shrink  back  to  escape  those  clutching  red 
hands,  and  then  I  flung  myself  recklessly  forward,  striking 


203 

out  in  the  English  fashion  with  bare  fists  until  I  had  cleared 
a  sufficient  space  to  stand  squarely  upright  in.  The  boldness 
of  the  movement  halted  them  in  astonishment,  and  I  was 
quick  to  seize  the  advantage. 

"  Stand  back,  you  Ottawas ! "  I  commanded  sternly. 
"  Back,  I  say,  and  permit  us  to  pass.  I  am  an  officer  of 
France,  bearing  message  to  Pontiac." 

The  stern  authority  displayed  in  voice  and  manner  stag- 
gered the  most  audacious  among  them,  and  they  fell  sullenly 
aside  as  I  pressed  sternly  forward,  my  hand  once  more  upon 
the  bridle.  Yet  I  fought  for  every  foot  of  way,  scowling 
back  fiercely  into  those  dark  faces  fronting  me,  and  knock- 
ing aside  more  than  one  red  arm  bent  upon  mischief,  while 
those  gathered  along  either  flank  pressed  in  more  closely, 
hindering  our  advance  with  every  malicious  trick  of  sav- 
agery, their  guttural  voices  raised  in  a  din  that  was  deaf- 
ening, their  cruel,  vengeful  eyes  gleaming  beneath  mats  of 
coarse  tangled  hair.  It  was  an  unequal  struggle,  and 
already  we  were  being  pushed  steadily  apart  by  that  circling 
jam  of  bodies,  when  the  mad  uproar  was  suddenly  hushed 
by  sound  of  a  single  voice  that  rolled  above  the  clamor  like 
some  unexpected  peal  of  thunder.  Instantly  the  wedged 
mass  of  naked  bodies  obstructing  our  passage  fell  to  either 
side,  as  though  split  by  a  knife,  while,  revealed  in  the  nar- 
row opening,  a  single  Indian  stood  fronting  me  with  savage 
gravity.  He  was  tall  and  commanding,  his  face  manly  in 
outline  but  seamed  by  age,  naked  to  the  waist,  a  necklace  of 
bear-claws  showing  ghastly  across  his  dark  chest,  an  eagle 
feather  in  his  hair,  and  a  rifle  grasped  in  one  hand.  For 
an  instant  we  measured  each  other  in  silence,  the  fierce  cries 
on  either  side  dying  away  into  an  almost  inaudible 
muttering. 

"  I  am  Wau-wau-soota,"  he  explained  at  last  with  dignity, 
and  in  broken  French.  "  What  white  man  comes  thus  unin- 
vited into  the  village  of  the  Ottawas  ?  " 


204  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

I  lifted  my  hat,  and  taking  a  step  forward  bowed  before 
him,  all  my  waning  confidence  restored. 

"  An  officer  from  Fort  Chartres  bearing  message  from  the 
great  French  father  to  his  children  of  the  forest.  I  seek 
audience  with  Pontiac." 

The  expressionless  eyes  of  the  Indian  rested  upon  the 
coarse  and  ragged  garments  clothing  me,  then  wandered 
toward  the  fair  faces  of  those  girls  behind. 

"  And  these  others  ?  Doth  the  great  father  of  the  French 
now  make  use  of  squaws  to  bear  his  words  of  wisdom  to 
Ottawa  chiefs?" 

"  They  are  with  me  through  misadventure  upon  the  trail, 
Wau-wau-soota,"  I  answered,  unwilling  to  say  more  in  pres- 
ence of  such  a  mob,  "  and  travel  at  present  under  my  pro- 
tection. 'T  is  not  here,  among  all  these  young  warriors,  that 
we  who  are  chiefs  should  discuss  such  matters.  I  come 
bearing  authority  to  sit  with  you  about  the  council  fire." 

"  You  have  name  and  rank  ?  " 

"  Captain  de  Coubert." 

The  Indian  looked  at  me  long  and  searchingly,  his  own 
features  impenetrable  in  their  stolidity,  but  his  dark  eyes 
filled  with  doubt. 

"  Ugh !  "  he  muttered  at  last.  "  This  is  a  matter  not  for 
me  to  decide.  Pontiac  is  not  now  in  the  camp  of  the  Otta- 
was.  I  will  hold  you  safe  from  our  young  men  until  he  can 
act ;  beyond  that  I  promise  nothing." 

He  turned  and  strode  off  with  impassive  dignity,  making 
no  motion  for  us  to  follow,  but  I  grasped  the  horse's  rein 
and  pressed  closely  at  his  heels,  the  mob  of  Indians  yielding 
scant  room  for  our  passage,  and  surging  down  so  tightly  on 
either  hand  as  greatly  to  impede  our  progress.  From 
where  I  walked,  with  watchful  eyes  on  either  side  to  ward 
off  any  stroke  of  treachery,  I  could  see  little  of  that  swaying, 
howling  mob,  other  than  those  fierce  eyeg  that  scanned  me, 
or  the  dark  bodies  I  pressed  recklessly  aside  to  gain  pas- 


The  Black  Lodges  of  the  Ottawas       205 

sage.  But  to  those  above  upon  the  horses'  backs  it  must 
have  proven  a  terrifying  spectacle  —  the  wild  tumult,  the 
maddened  surging  back  and  forth,  the  shouts  of  rage  to- 
gether with  vindictive  brandishing  of  weapons,  all  rendered 
more  horrible  and  suggestive  by  the  solemn  night  gloom  of 
the  forest,  and  tinged  by  those  leaping  flames.  I  caught 
one  glimpse  of  those  who  followed  me  —  of  Cassady  twist- 
ing here  and  there,  shouldering  his  way  impudently  into 
every  group  that  dared  contest  his  progress,  his  pugnacious 
blue  eyes  dancing  with  the  delight  of  conflict,  his  fist  tightly 
closed  for  quick,  decisive  blow;  above  him  petite  Rene 
swayed,  as  if  from  faintness,  in  the  saddle,  all  trace  of 
laughter  gone  from  her  white  lips,  one  hand  clutching  the 
mane  of  her  horse,  the  other  held  across  her  face  as  though 
thus  to  shut  out  that  terrifying  scene  before  her.  But  my 
lady  rode  like  a  statue  at  my  shoulder,  her  cheeks  pale,  her 
lips  firmly  set,  her  eyes  filled  with  undaunted  courage,  as 
watchful  for  attack  as  were  my  own.  Twice  I  saw  her 
lift  the  stout  switch  she  carried,  and  bring  it  down  sharply 
on  a  red,  clutching  hand,  and  once  she  called  to  me  in  sudden 
warning,  her  clear  voice  ringing  out  above  the  turmoil  like 
a  silver  bell.  Faith,  she  bore  herself  as  a  queen  might  in 
face  of  rebellious  subjects,  quaking  at  heart  perhaps  with 
all  the  gentle  timidity  of  a  woman,  yet  far  too  proud  of  soul 
to  exhibit  fear  in  face  of  such  a  mob.  The  very  glimpse  of 
her  was  stimulant,  and  I  pushed  on  roughly,  shouldering 
those  naked  varlets  to  right  and  left  as  though  I  pressed  a 
passageway  through  cane,  scowling  back  into  their  angry 
faces,  and  twice  striking  knives  from  out  uplifted  hands  that 
dared  thus  a  threat  to  block  me. 

More  than  once  it  seemed  touch  and  go,  but  those  naked 
offscourings  of  the  camp  durst  not  utterly  ignore  the  ex- 
pressed will  of  their  chief,  or  overrun  his  pledge  of  protec- 
tion. They  could  taunt,  incite,  annoy,  yet  scarcely  venture  to 
smite  in  open  quarrel.  Thus  it  was  they  gave  way  sullenly 


206  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

and  let  us  pass,  hurling  Indian  curses  at  us  in  plenty,  but 
without  inflicting  real  injury,  until  we  reached  the  place  of 
refuge  toward  which  Wau-wau-soota  pointed  with  a  gesture 
not  devoid  of  stolid  contempt. 

In  truth  I  liked  not  his  manner  toward  us  in  the  least,  nor 
the  indifferent  way  in  which  he  had  deserted  us  to  the  mali- 
cious buffetings  of  the  mob.  It  was  not  Indian  custom  thus 
to  mistreat  any  messenger  of  alliance,  and  bespoke  an  inso- 
lence to  which  we  of  the  French  service  in  that  country  were 
totally  unaccustomed.  Yet  the  angry  looks  upon  every  side, 
together  with  the  presence  of  those  two  frightened  women 
in  our  care,  constrained  me  to  silence.  Let  the  insult  pass 
for  now;  when  Pontiac  returned  I  would  teach  this  con- 
temptuous savage  a  much-needed  lesson  in  forest  etiquette. 

"  Are  all  of  us  to  go  in  here  ?  "  I  questioned,  and  as  he 
grunted  a  discourteous  response,  I  swung  Mademoiselle 
lightly  from  her  saddle.  She  staggered  a  little  when  her 
feet  first  felt  the  ground,  and  the  staring  Indians  pressed 
about  us  so  closely  that  I  slipped  my  arm  unrebuked  about 
her  waist,  and  thus  half  led,  half  carried  her  into  the  haven 
of  black  shadows  within. 

"  There  is  no  real  danger,"  I  whispered  almost  tenderly, 
for  the  mere  pressure  of  her  form  against  mine  was  strangely 
intoxicating  even  at  such  a  time,  and  I  imagined  her  over- 
taxed nerves  had  at  last  totally  given  way.  "  They  merely 
seek  to  worry  us  with  threats  which  they  dare  not  execute 
against  the  commands  of  their  chief.  There  will  be  a  dif- 
ferent reception  offered  presently,  when  Pontiac  returns." 

"  It  was  not  fear,"  she  responded,  her  voice  as  steady  as 
my  own,  "  that  caused  me  to  stumble,  but  I  have  been  so 
long  upon  horseback  my  feet  had  forgotten  their  duty.  And 
Captain  de  Coubert,  I  really  believe  I  am  faint  from  lack  of 
food,  having  touched  nothing  since  before  daylight." 

I  found  comfortable  resting  place  for  them  upon  a  pile  of 
robes  at  the  farther  extremity  of  the  lodge,  so  far  back  indeed 


The  Black  Lodges  of  the  Ottawas        207 

that  no  gleam  of  the  big  fire  without  could  reveal  their  pres- 
ence to  those  peering  eyes  clustered  about  the  entrance. 
Then  I  shouldered  my  way  out  into  the  very  midst  of  those 
dusky  watchers,  determined  to  have  an  end  to  this  dis- 
courtesy without  delay. 

"  Wau-wau-soota,"  I  exclaimed  sternly",  fronting  that  stolid 
chief  with  a  manner  breathing  of  threat,  "  I  have  before  this 
borne  message  from  the  great  French  father  to  his  children 
of  the  forest,  but  never  before  was  I  received  in  their  vil- 
lages with  such  insult  as  by  this  scum  of  Ottawas.  If  I 
return  and  tell  the  story  of  it,  think  you  the  soldiers  of  my 
people  will  aid  you  in  your  coming  battles?  Think  you 
Pontiac  cares  so  little  for  French  assistance  in  his  struggle 
against  the  red-coats  that  he  will  praise  such  harsh  treat- 
ment of  Monsieur  de  Villiers's  messenger?  Call  off  your 
young  men  from  the  door  of  this  lodge,  or  I  go  back  to 
Fort  Chartres,  my  word  unuttered,  and  will  tell  the  great 
French  father  his  children  the  Ottawas  are  rebels,  unworthy 
his  care." 

For  the  moment  his  eyes  alone  answered  me;  they  were 
unbelieving,  glittering  with  defiance. 

"  Ugh !  "  he  consented  to  say  at  last  ungraciously.  "  White 
man  talk  strong.  Ottawas  have  seen  coureurs  de  bois  be- 
fore. Where  uniform,  you  French  officer  ?  " 

"  It  was  stolen  from  me  by  two  Indian  thieves  on  the  great 
river,"  I  answered,  now  thoroughly  angered  by  his  stubborn 
unbelief.  "  But  I  have  here  my  papers  of  authority,  and, 
by  all  the  saints,  you  shall  give  us  protection,  or  I  '11  throttle 
you  where  you  stand !  " 

I  spoke  so  rapidly  I  doubt  if  he  followed  my  words,  but 
he  knew  what  I  meant,  and  stepped  back  as  if  he  already  felt 
my  fingers  gripping  his  swarthy  throat. 

"  Will  you  drive  that  scum  away  ?  "  I  demanded  fiercely, 
following  him  up  closely,  and  thrusting  roughly  aside  a 
young  brave  who  sought  to  interfere  between  us.  He  turned 


208  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

and  gave  the  order  sullenly  in  his  own  tongue,  and  the  mass 
fell  slowly  back  from  where  we  stood. 

"  And  what  else,  Master  Frenchman  ?  "  he  asked,  and  I 
saw  now  that  my  bold  front  had  impressed  him  with  fear 
lest  he  had  made  mistake. 

"  Food  for  myself  and  party,"  I  answered,  retaining  my 
sternness  of  demeanor,  "  and  let  it  be  served  at  once.  Don't 
forget  again,  Wau-wau-soota,  that  in  dealing  with  me  you 
are  dealing  with  France." 

The  dark  ring  of  warriors  were  silent  now,  appearing 
strangely  weird  with  those  billows  of  red  light  streaming 
over  them.  Their  chief  stood  like  a  bronze  statue  facing 
me,  his  face  expressionless  as  ever,  but  his  eyes  filled  with 
perplexity  oddly  tinged  by  anger.  For  one  instant  our 
glances  met,  and  I  conquered  him.  Then  I  turned,  ignoring 
all  else,  and  strode  back  within  the  black  lodge,  assured  I 
had  won  my  will. 


CHAPTER   XX 

A  VISION   OF   SAVAGERY 

THE  strange  actions  of  this  under-chief  puzzled  me, 
yet  not  so  much  that  I  greatly  worried  over  them. 
Indian  nature  is  ever  suspicious  and  changeable,  and  if  it 
had  been  true  that  Wau-wau-soota  was  accustomed  only 
to  beholding  French  officers  attired  in  full  regalia,  it  was  not 
altogether  unnatural  that  he  should  treat  with  misgivings 
one  clothed  so  roughly  as  I.  Much  of  ceremonious  etiquette 
ever  marked  France's  official  intercourse  with  those  savages 
in  war  council,  but  a  full  explanation  of  the  cause  for  my 
present  predicament  would  certainly  suffice  with  Pontiac, 
when  once  the  papers  submitted  thoroughly  established  my 
official  identity.  Meanwhile  I  had  sufficiently  cowed  this 
arrogant  under-chief  to  feel  assured  of  both  privacy  and 
attendance. 

The  lodge  in  which  we  were  sheltered  was  a  large  one, 
and  most  peculiarly  constructed.  As  my  eyes  became  some- 
what accustomed  to  the  semi-darkness  of  that  interior  I 
could  trace  much  of  its  form  and  belongings.  It  was  nearly 
square,  being  constructed  of  poles  fastened  against  con- 
venient trees,  the  four  sides  composed  of  skins  held  firmly 
in  their  places  by  ropes  of  plaited  grass.  It  was  without 
roof,  while  the  floor  was  of  trampled  earth,  having  a  few 
robes,  flung  fur  upward,  to  rest  upon.  A  considerable  num- 
ber of  similar  robes  were  stacked  near  the  farther  wall, 
where  the  ladies  had  already  found  refuge,  and  in  the  im- 
mediate centre  were  the  blackened  and  charred  evidences  of 
recent  fire.  The  front,  facing  that  open  space  wherein  the 

14 


2io  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Indians  were  yet  congregated,  was  only  partially  closed,  the 
central  skin  being  absent,  and  through  this  considerable 
aperture  streamed  sufficient  light  from  the  fire  without  to 
enable  us  clearly  to  distinguish  each  other.  This  peculiarity 
of  construction,  as  well  as  the  unusual  size  of  the  lodge,  told 
me  at  once  we  must  be  within  the  great  council  tent  of  the 
village,  ,a  decision  confirmed  by  sight  of  those  various  totems 
dimly  discernible,  traced  in  red  or  yellow  along  the  skins  on 
every  side,  marking  this  tepee  as  being  the  common  prop- 
erty of  the  chiefs. 

I  noticed  much  of  this  later,  however,  for  as  I  returned, 
flushed  and  angered  by  my  controversy  with  the  Indian, 
Mademoiselle  Alene  stood  waiting  me  just  within  the  en- 
trance, her  face  still  pale  from  our  late  experience,  her  eyes 
anxious  and  filled  with  unusual  emotion.  She  greeted  me 
with  a  warmth  of  welcome  strangely  at  variance  with  her 
other  moods. 

"  Oh,  why  did  you  venture  out  there,  and  alone  ?  "  she 
questioned,  apparently  for  the  moment  careless  of  thus  ex- 
hibiting her  deep  agitation.  "  They  were  so  angry ;  their 
eyes  gleamed  like  those  of  wild  beasts,  and  that  savage  you 
threatened  had  his  knife  half  drawn  to  strike  you." 

"  I  know,"  I  said,  and,  for  the  first  time,  ventured  to 
clasp  her  hands  reassuringly.  "  Yet  it  was  not  nearly  so 
desperate  a  deed  as  you  may  suppose,  Mademoiselle.  They 
would  indeed  like  well  enough  to  wreak  their  ferocity  upon 
us,  but,  fortunately,  they  dare  not.  I  can  assure  you  I  ex- 
perienced no  fear,  nor  did  I  dream  you"  cared  sufficiently 
for  my  safety  to  be  thus  troubled." 

These  words,  more  in  my  manner  of  utterance  than  in  the 
language  itself,  served  to  recall  her  instantly  to  her  old  self. 
A  flush  swept  across  the  clear  cheeks,  and  her  eyes  fell. 

"  You  —  you  are  our  only  protection  here,"  she  explained, 
her  low  voice  trembling  slightly.  "  Yet  it  was  not  altogether 
that  —  I  am  not  so  supremely  selfish,  Captain  de  Coubert  — 


A  Vision  of  Savagery  211 

and  your  exposure,  which  seemed  so  needless,  gave  me  great 
anxiety.  I  wish  I  might  ask  you,  even  for  my  own  sake, 
not  to  attempt  so  rash  a  deed  again." 

I  would  not  release  her  hands,  and  she  made  but  slight 
effort  to  be  free.  I  felt  that  I  had  won  a  way  at  last  behind 
the  citadel  of  her  proud  reserve,  and  it  was  a  deep  joy  to 
me  to  watch  the  color  ever  deepening  upon  her  cheeks,  the 
shy  expression  within  her  lowered  eyes. 

"  For  your  sake  I  would  do  much,"  I  returned,  forgetful 
that  other  eyes  might  regard  us  curiously.  "  Yes,  anything 
within  my  power.  I  can  never  forget  that  my  sole  duty 
now  is  to  stand  between  you  and  possible  danger.  To  realize 
that  you  fully  trust  me,  that  to  you  I  am  officer  and  gen- 
tleman, is  sufficiency  of  reward.  In  spite  of  all  I  have 
passed  through  during  these  past  few  weeks,  in  spite  of  the 
peril  even  now  fronting  us,  my  heart  is  singing,  Mademoi- 
selle, a  song  of  thankfulness  that  the  good  God  has  per- 
mitted me  to  be  thus  with  you  at  such  a  time  of  trial. 
Think  you  then  I  would  needlessly  venture  my  life,  know- 
ing what  may  depend  upon  its  preservation  ?  If  I  went  forth 
but  now,  to  front  that  savage  crew,  there  was  a  purpose  in 
it  which  fully  justified  the  measure." 

"I  am  sure  you  must  be  right,"  she  answered,  her  eyes 
again  uplifted  bravely  to  mine.  "  It  seems  so  unusual  to 
me,  Captain  de  Coubert,  yet  I  fear  these  dreadful  scenes  of 
savagery  must  have  strangely  unnerved  me.  I  am  unaccus- 
tomed to  weakness,  or  to  relying  largely  upon  others  for 
either  courage  or  guidance.  I  have  ever  been  a  girl  of  much 
self-will,  feeling  complete  reliance  on  my  own  power  to  over- 
come obstacles.  Rene  trusts  others,  and  clings  to  those  who 
are  strong,  but  I  have  always  been  proud  of  my  own  mastery. 
Perhaps  it  was  a  foolish  pride,  and  I  may  have  needed  just 
such  a  lesson  as  this  has  been,  to  convince  me  that  I  was 
after  all  no  more  than  a  woman,  for  much  of  that  false 
pride  has  gone  now,  and  I  discover  myself  resting  upon  you 


212  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

in  this  trial  as  I  never  have  rested  upon  anyone  before, 
utterly  distrustful  of  my  own  power  to  avert  evil.  You  will 
surely  understand  my  meaning,  Monsieur;  I  have  merely 
learned  that  I  am  not  alone  sufficient  under  all  conditions; 
my  strength  of  purpose,  of  which  I  have  been  so  foolishly 
vain  in  the  past,  has  broken  down  completely  beneath  the 
strain  of  these  last  few  hours,  and  I  discover  myself  no  more 
than  a  nerveless  girl,  almost  affrighted  of  the  dark." 

There  were  tears  glistening  upon  her  long  lashes,  yet  she 
made  the  confession  bravely,  and  as  if  doing  so  comforted 
her. 

"  I  fully  comprehend  you,  Mademoiselle,"  I  replied 
gravely,  feeling  this  to  be  no  time  for  other  than  the  speak- 
ing of  strengthening  words.  "  Moreover  I  respect  you  even 
more  in  this  gentle  softening  into  womanhood  than  was 
possible  while  you  looked  down  upon  me  as  a  mere  courcur 
de  bois.  I  thought  you  then  a  fair  white  statue,  as  hard 
and  cold  of  heart  as  the  marble;  now  I  know  you  to  be  of 
flesh  and  blood,  and  that  service  which  has,  heretofore,  been 
merely  a  duty,  has  become  a  pleasure,  worthy  of  every 
sacrifice  and  danger.  I  pledge  you  gladly  to  be  cautious, 
and  that  no  rash  act  of  mine  shall  add  another  pang  to  your 
anxiety.  But  come,  Mademoiselle,  you  will  be  far  stronger 
and  happier  if  you  give  aid  to  others.  Your  companion  is 
sobbing  bitterly  yonder,  and  Cassady  seems  unable  to  still 
her  awakened  fears.  Permit  me  to  lead  you  to  her." 

She  swept  me  one  swift  glance  of  warmest  gratitude. 

"  It  will  be  unnecessary,  Monsieur,  for  your  words  have 
already  afforded  me  the  very  strength  I  needed.  I  will  go 
to  Rene,  and  am  sure  I  shall  not  again  so  pitifully  break 
down.  I  thank  you,  Captain  de  Coubert,  and  have  the 
utmost  faith  in  your  promise." 

I  watched  her  as  she  passed  back  through  the  shadows 
and  bent  soothingly  above  the  sobbing  girl.  It  was  a  most 
fair  picture,  dim  as  the  light  was  which  flooded  it,  and  I 


A  Vision  of  Savagery  213 

strained  my  eyes  that  I  might  see  more  clearly  the  gentle, 
womanly  manner  in  which  she  nursed  back  her  companion's 
courage. 

Two  squaws,  their  faces  repulsively  blackened  from  the 
smoke  of  the  fire,  brought  in  our  meal,  consisting  of  dried 
meat  and  boiled  maize,  leaving  it  just  within  the  entrance 
amid  a  silence  most  oppressive.  We  ate  but  little,  only  so 
much  as  was  compelled  of  hunger,  and  then  I  outstretched 
myself  upon  the  ground  beside  Cassady,  our  eyes  peering 
forth  through  the  opening,  while  the  girls  conversed  to- 
gether softly  at  the  rear  of  the  lodge,  the  sound  of  their 
voices  reaching  us  as  a  sort  of  lullaby.  Saint  Denis!  but 
that  was  a  black  scene  we  looked  out  upon!  The  aper- 
ture through  which  we  gazed  yielded  but  a  contracted  vista 
of  what  was  passing  without  —  a  gloom  of  forest  trees, 
huge,  motionless,  impenetrable  to  the  eye,  framing  that  cen- 
tral view  —  but  the  space  immediately  in  our  front  was 
brightly  illumined  by  the  red  blaze  of  the  fire,  and  crowded 
with  dark  figures,  whose  nude  bodies  shone  repulsive  in 
the  glow.  It  was  a  restless  mob,  its  members  gaily  bedecked 
with  barbaric  splendor,  many  having  blackened  faces,  or 
with  gaudy  coloring  streaked  upon  their  forms.  Some  were 
dancing,  a  wild,  frenzied  succession  of  leaps,  ever  circling  a 
central  pole  hung  with  scalps,  keeping  in  their  gyration  slight 
time  to  the  monotonous  pounding  of  the  tom-tom,  and  ever 
waving  weapons  overhead  that  sparkled  cruelly  in  the  light. 
When  wearied,  these  dancers  gave  way  to  others  from  out  the 
restless  throng  of  onlookers,  who  would  spring  forward 
with  whoop  of  wild  delight,  flinging  themselves  into  the 
fierce  maelstrom  with  ferocious  freshness,  urging  the  more 
tired  to  higher  leaping  and  fiercer  paroxysms.  Squaws 
circled  about,  mingling  their  shrill  screams  with  the  more 
guttural  shouts  of  the  excited  warriors,  while  dogs  were 
everywhere,  yelping  in  pain  or  snapping  viciously  at  some 
persecutor.  It  was  a  demoniacal  spectacle,  grotesque  and 


214  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

repulsive,  and  in  such  a  time  and  place  suggestive  of  un- 
vented  cruelty  and  savage  barbarism  —  a  scene  rendered 
even  more  horrible  by  the  intense  gloom  of  the  woods  amid 
which  it  was  being  enacted,  and  the  silence  of  those  watch- 
ful stars  above. 

I  gazed  upon  it,  not  in  any  personal  fear,  yet  feeling  a 
horror  I  was  unable  to  cast  off ;  each  black  whirling  figure, 
hideous  in  its  war-paint,  seeming  some  devil  of  malignity, 
some  foul  fiend  of  the  upper  air,  whose  very  breath  must 
poison  the  atmosphere  and  deal  death  by  torture.  Yet  it 
fascinated  me ;  so  unnatural  was  it,  so  filled  with  the  brood- 
ing spirit  of  insensate  cruelty,  that  I  could  realize  its  expres- 
sion in  every  convolution  of  those  naked  bodies,  every  wild 
glare  of  those  roving  eyes.  It  required  but  a  helpless  vic- 
tim chained  against  the  stake  beneath  those  flapping  scalp- 
locks  to  turn  that  entire  scene  into  a  saturnalia  of  fiendish 
torture,  a  hell  of  human  agony. 

Sick  at  heart,  I  glanced  aside  toward  my  silent  com- 
panion. He  was  resting  face  downward,  gazing  out  intently, 
the  intense  horror  of  the  scene  plainly  visible  within  his  eyes. 
Somewhere  in  the  melee  of  our  passage  a  sharpened  stake  had 
broken  the  skin  upon  his  forehead,  and  the  congealed  blood 
had  hardened  to  his  hair.  I  had  not  before  noticed  he  was 
injured. 

"  Is  your  wound  of  any  consequence  ? "  I  asked,  glad 
enough  to  arouse  my  own  dormant  energies  by  speech. 
"  Was  it  blow  from  steel  or  wood  that  left  that  gash  ?  " 

He  turned  to  partly  front  me,  his  hand  feeling  his  damaged 
head  gingerly,  as  though  it  yet  pained  him. 

"  No  more  then  a  mere  scratch,  sorr,"  he  replied,  but  with 
his  eyes  straying  out  once  again  through  the  opening. 
"  Shure,  an'  mostly  it  wus  me  own  fault  f er  knockin'  up  the 
lad's  stake  wid  me  elbow.  But  faith,  Oi  got  the  little  divil 
jist  the  same,  yer  honor,"  and  his  blue  eyes  suddenly  bright- 
ened at  the  remembrance.  "  As  nate  an  upper  cut  to  the 


A  Vision  of  Savagery  215 

jaw  as  iver  ye  saw.  It  wus  his  head  whut  hit  furst  whin  he 
kum  down.  Be  the  saints !  but  he  '11  be  havin'  a  worse  knob 
then  Oi  be  this  toime,  Oi  'm  a-thinkin'.  It  wus  a  bad  mess 
them  haythen  made  uv  it  a-lettin'  us  kum  in  here.  Bedad 
but  Oi  'd  have  loiked  a  squad  uv  the  ould  foot,  sorr,  jist  to 
have  played  wid  the  loikes  uv  thim  fer  a  few  minutes.  It 
wud  have  done  me  sowl  gud  to  have  ploughed  through  thim 
wid  the  pikes." 

"  We  discovered  them  in  exceedingly  bad  mood,"  I  as- 
sented ;  "  but  we  are  through  the  worst  of  it  now." 

"  And  sure  Oi  hope  so,"  wiping  his  mouth  with  his  hand, 
"  for  ther  wus  toimes  out  there,  sorr,  whin  Oi  thought  Oi 
wud  have  to  throw  a  fit  in  ordher  to  git  free  uv  the  divils." 

"A  fit ? "  I  questioned,  not  at  the  moment  fully  realizing 
the  meaning  of  this  strange  term.  "  And  what  is  a  fit  ?  " 

"  A  fit,  sorr  ?  Shure  an'  don't  ye  know  whut  a  fit  is  ?  "  and 
he  chuckled,  a  fresh  laugh  springing  into  his  eyes.  /'  'T  is 
jist  a  turnin'  insoide  out  uv  the  body,  an'  a  lashin'  out  uv 
the  legs,  wid  a  rollin'  up  of  the  oyes  loike  a  sick  calf.  Shure, 
a  fit  whin  it's  roightly  done,  sorr,  is  a  most  terrifyin'  specta- 
cle, and  agin  all  Injun  nature." 

"  No  doubt ;  and  do  you  claim  to  be  an  expert  in  this 
particular  branch  of  acrobatics  ? "  I  asked,  only  slightly 
interested,  and  wondering  what  the  fellow  could  be  driv- 
ing at.  "  What  special  purpose  would  you  suppose  such  an 
exhibition  could  serve  here  ?  " 

"  Well,  it  happened  along  this  way,  sorr,"  and  he  sat  up 
facing  me,  his  expression  that  of  most  serious  interest. 
"  It  wus  an  ould  frontiersman  what  told  us  about  the  thrick 
whin  we  furst  cum  to  this  country  an'  landed  et  New 
Orleans,  as  green  a  set  uv  youngsters  es  ever  wore  uniforms 
on  aither  soide  uv  the  wather.  The  moist  uv  thim  jist  laughed 
et  the  story,  makin'  fun  uv  the  ould  duck  whut  told  it,  but 
not  me,  sorr.  He  sed  thet  the  one  sort  o'  folks  Injuns  wud  n't 
hurt  wus  fules  an'  crazy  min;  they  thought  sich  loike  wus 


216  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

touched  be  the  Great  Spirit,  an'  so  they  lit  thim  go.  His 
advice  wus,  thet  if  ever  one  uv  us  got  in  a  bad  hole  long  o' 
Injuns  we  wus  to  throw  a  fit,  an  then  kape  on  a-throwin'  uv 
thim  till  the  Injuns  took  to  their  heels." 

"  And  you  really  believe  such  an  exhibition  would  save 
you  ?  Have  you  ever  tried  the  experiment  ?  " 

"  Oi  niver  did  yit,  sorr,"  earnestly,  "  but  Oi  've  got  the 
thrick  down  moighty  foine,  Oi  kin  tell  ye.  Oi  've  practised 
the  doin'  uv  them  fits  'till  Oi  ken  turn  'em  backward  er  for- 
ward, on  horse  er  on  fut,  single  er  double,  wid  or  widout  an 
aujence.  Shure,  an'  Oi  have  wid  me  the  foinest  collection 
uv  fits  iver  travellin'  in  this  wilderness.  If  it  was  n't  for 
f  rightin'  thim  gyurls,  sorr,  Oi  'd  be  givin'  ye  a  sample  uv  me 
wurk  roight  now.  It 's  fairly  crazy  Oi  am  to  thry  thim  on 
the  haythen,  hopeful  it  wud  be  edifyin'  to  the  loikes  uv  thim 
an'  comfortin'  to  meself." 

"  YQU  really  have  faith,  then,  in  thus  being  able  to  preserve 
your  life  if  the  need  arose  ?  " 

"  Is  it  faith,  yer  honor  ?  Shure  no  rid  haythen  cud  iver 
rasist  such  a  foine  aggragation  uv  fits,  ivery  one  uv  them 
broke  ter  harness,  es  Oi  cud  show  him  in  foive  minutes. 
He  wud  die  uv  envy,  aven,  if  the  nature  uv  the  baste  did  n't 
tell  him  Oi  wus  luny  enough  to  be  saved." 

"  But,  even  if  the  experiment  resulted  as  you  anticipate, 
I  should  suppose  you  would  have  to  keep  up  the  deception 
indefinitely." 

He  winked,  his  eyes  gleaming  with  cunning  amusement. 

"  An'  whut  uv  thet,  sorr  ?  Shure  an'  Oi  'd  rather  be 
throwin'  fits  ivery  foive  minutes,  tin  hours  a  day,  an'  no 
Sunday  off,  than  be  a-roastin'  et  the  stake  wid  some  durty 
rid  divil  uv  a  haythen  a-jabbin'  me  ivery  now  an'  thin  in 
the  small  ribs  to  see  if  Oi  wus  dun  clane  thru.  Faith,  an'  it 's 
not  so  terrible  toilsome  after  ye  oncet  git  the  thrick  uv  it, 
an*  Oi 've  hed  jobs  since  Oi 've  bin  Frinch  sojerin'  Oi 
did  n't  loike  much  betther.  Oi  have  thet,  an'  no  lie,  aither." 


A  Vision  of  Savagery  217 

I  looked  at  him  curiously,  scarcely  able  to  determine  in 
my  own  mind  whether  he  was  in  fun  or  earnest.  Indeed 
there  might  be  a  germ  of  philosophy  in  his  theory,  odd  as  it 
sounded,  for  it  was  a  well-known  fact  that  an  Indian  is  ever 
most  considerate  of  those  of  weak  mind,  yet  this  was  a  plan 
of  escape  I  had  never  before  heard  advocated. 

"  You  say  you  thought  of  trying  such  an  experiment  out 
yonder.  Do  you  mean  that  you  would  desert  the  defence 
of  Mademoiselle  Rene,  hopeful  thus  of  preserving  your  own 
life?" 

The  Irishman's  expressive  face  changed  instantly  at  my 
question,  the  mask  of  reckless  humor  dropping  from  it  as 
by  magic,  a  look  of  indignant  protest  taking  its  place. 

"  Cud  Oi  sarve  her  best  aloive  or  ded,  sorr  ?  "  he  asked,  a 
bit  hotly.  "  Shure,  an'  Oi  'm  no  braggart  about  sich  things, 
an'  Oi  wud  give  me  last  dhrop  uv  blud  jist  to  kape  thet  young 
lady  from  comin'  to  any  harm,  but  to  my  thinkin'  aven  a 
fule,  whut  cud  kick  out  wid  both  legs,  wud  be  more  to  her 
aidin'  then  any  corpse  after  thim  Injuns  wus  dun  wid  it, 
sorr.  Whut  gud  cud  Oi  be  doin'  her,  or  anybody  else,  be 
dyin'?" 

I  glanced  back  to  where  I  could  perceive  the  two  dimly 
revealed  as  they  conversed  together.  Rene  was  sitting  up 
now,  her  head  resting  upon  Mademoiselle's  shoulder.  It 
seemed  fresh  evidence  of  the  true,  tender  heart  of  my  lady, 
that  she  should  thus  anxiously  minister  to  the  distress  of  her 
maid,  utterly  forgetful  as  to  her  own  peril. 

"  Possibly  you  are  right,  Corporal,"  I  confessed,  somewhat 
impressed  by  his  argument,  "  although  your  method  is  cer- 
tainly an  odd  one.  However,  I  hope  you  will  never  be 
driven  to  the  extremity  of  resorting  to  it.  Rene  is  a  most 
beautiful  girl,  and  I  am  exceedingly  glad  to  notice  you  are 
getting  along  so  nicely  together.  I  suspect  that  if  we  come 
out  of  this  adventure  in  safety,  there  will  be  a  wedding  before 
long." 


2i 8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Oi  wud  n't  et  all  wondher,  sorr,  from  the  way  ye  wus 
holdin'  on  to  Mademoiselle  Alene's  hands  a  while  back." 

This  retort  came  so  quickly  it  nettled  me,  bringing  a 
sudden  rush  of  blood  to  my  cheeks. 

"  Not  that,  man,"  I  replied  somewhat  roughly ;  "  I  was 
merely  assisting  that  lady  to  recover  her  courage.  My  refer- 
ence was  to  you  and  Rene.  He  is,  indeed,  a  fortunate  soldier 
of  foot  who  can  discover  so  fair  a  divinity  awaiting  him  in 
this  wilderness." 

He  stared  at  me  through  the  semi-darkness  as  if  he  sus- 
pected some  trick  of  speech. 

"  'T  is  not  a  thing  to  make  loight  of,  sorr,"  he  said  at  last, 
his  voice  grown  gruff  and  sullen.  "  Oi  do,  indade,  think 
moighty  well  uv  thet  young  lady,  an'  no  doubt  she  hes  a  bit 
uv  a  care  for  me,  while  Oi  am  ferninst  her,  reddy  to  do  her 
a  sarvice  now  an'  thin,  an'  amuse  her  a  thrifle  wid  me  fun. 
But  she 's  not  for  the  loikes  uv  me  in  any  sich  way  es  thet, 
an'  nobody  knows  it  betther  nor  Jack  Cassady.  Shure,  she 
cud  walk  all  over  me  wid  her  little  fate  if  she  loiked,  an'  it 
wud  make  me  happy  jist  to  know  she  wus  injyin'  it.  Thet 's 
whut  Oi  think  uv  her ;  but  Oi  wud  n't  spake  no  sich  wurds 
as  them  agin,  if  Oi  wus  you,  sorr." 

An  exclamation  of  surprise  was  upon  my  lips,  but  I 
stifled  it,  attracted  at  that  moment  by  a  new  interest  with- 
out. Someone  had  flung  fresh  material  upon  the  fire,  which 
now  swept  up  in  great  billows  of  flame,  driving  those  sur- 
rounding shadows  farther  back  into  the  enveloping  forest, 
and  rendering  clearer  in  that  weird,  red  radiance  the  whirl- 
ing figures  engaged  in  the  war  dance.  Seemingly,  while 
we  had  conversed,  the  circle  of  devotees  had  greatly  widened 
out,  so  that  now  scarcely  a  red  warrior  present  but  what  was 
capering  madly  to  the  monotonous  noise  of  the  drum,  in 
frenzied  violence.  Evidently  the  supreme  moment  was  fast 
approaching;  even  as  I  gazed,  fascinated  and  dazed  by 
that  wild  orgy,  a  new  figure  leaped  suddenly  forth  from  out 


A  Vision  of  Savagery  '219 

the  gloom,  and  hurled  itself  through  those  lines  of  crazed 
savages,  until  it  had  attained  the  inner  lighted  circle.  With 
a  wild  whoop,  which  was  instantly  re-echoed  by  hundreds 
of  throats,  the  newcomer  struck  his  gleaming  tomahawk 
deep  into  the  wood  of  the  great  post,  and  began  a  dance 
which  proved  the  acme  of  mad  ferocity.  Back  and  forth  he 
trod,  ever  circling  so  as  to  front  the  aroused  ring  of  war- 
riors—  who  fiercely  echoed  him  with  word  and  gesture  — 
leaping  high  into  the  air,  his  arms  flung  forth  in  a  perfect 
passion  of  appeal,  which  in  itself  was  eloquent.  He  was  a 
stalwart  fellow,  broad  of  shoulder  and  deep  of  chest, 
nude  but  for  a  narrow  breechclout  wound  about  his  loins, 
his  body  and  face  daubed  black  as  the  midnight,  hideous  in 
its  disfiguration,  and  rendered  even  more  repulsive  by  bright 
yellow  stripes  drawn  from  forehead  to  waist.  Thrice  he 
made  the  entire  circuit,  now  chanting  some  wild  war  song  of 
his  people,  now  haranguing  in  strange  guttural,  snatching 
those  reeking  scalps  from  the  long  pole  and  shaking  them  in 
the  faces  before  him,  his  frenzy  constantly  growing  as  he 
urged,  begged,  commanded  action.  One  by  one  those  who 
listened  stole  silently  away  into  the  black  night  like  so  many 
snakes,  their  naked  bodies  shining  as  they  disappeared. 
Finally,  the  last  loiterer  among  them  had  vanished,  while 
he  who  had  wrought  that  dread  spell  lingered  alone  in  the 
deserted  space.  A  moment  he  stood,  silently  listening  —  the 
impressive  figure  of  a  commanding  savage.  Then  he  also 
departed,  and  as  he  slowly  passed  our  opening,  I  knew  I 
gazed  upon  Pontiac. 


CHAPTER   XXI 

MONSIEUR   QUILLERIEZ  BEARS  TESTIMONY 

FULLY  an  hour  must  have  elapsed,  with  no  sound  reach- 
ing us  from  without,  save  the  barking  and  snarling  of 
dogs.  Upon  what  desperate  foray  that  swarm  of  Indian  war- 
riors had  been  despatched  I  could  but  conjecture,  yet  I  was 
not  foolish  enough  to  imagine,  because  of  their  desertion,  that 
we  were  left  unguarded.  Once  Cassady  suggested  this  as 
possible,  and  hinted  eagerly  at  escape,  but  I  had  no  desire 
for  any  such  thing,  and  so  plainly  informed  him,  seeking 
only  to  gain  early  speech  with  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas. 
The  fire  had  largely  died  down  by  this  time,  leaving  merely 
a  red  mass  of  coals  glimmering  through  the  darkness,  while 
we  remained  amid  a  gloom  so  profound  I  could  barely  per- 
ceive the  form  nearest  me. 

I  was  lying  outstretched  in  silence  upon  the  trampled 
earth  of  the  floor,  hopeful  the  ladies  might  have  been  lulled 
into  slumber  by  the  quietness  of  so  late  an  hour,  when  those 
embers  without  were  violently  stirred  into  new  life  by  some 
savage  hand  piling  onto  them  an  armful  of  dry  fagots. 
Almost  in  a  moment  the  crackling  flames  leaped  high  into 
the  air,  while  the  bright  glow  instantly  penetrated  the  inte- 
rior of  the  lodge,  making  its  every  corner  visible.  I  had 
barely  time  to  glance  hastily  about  me,  noting  the  women  to 
be  both  awake,  their  positions  betraying  their  fright  at  this 
sudden  revealment,  when  the  opening  leading  outward  was 
darkened  by  the  entrance  of  a  crouching  figure.  Six  others 
followed  closely,  grave,  silent,  blanket-wrapped,  their  dark, 
impassive  faces  perfectly  masking  their  purpose,  their  move- 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     221 

merits  deliberate  and  full  of  savage  dignity.  No  glance  aside 
seemed  to  regard  our  presence,  no  wandering  eye  gave  evi- 
dence of  slightest  curiosity;  they  but  drew  their  blankets 
closer,  taking  seats  in  solemn  silence  about  those  blackened 
embers  in  the  centre  of  the  lodge.  It  was  a  peculiarly  im- 
pressive ceremony,  while  those  black,  totem-covered  skins 
around  them,  the  red  flames  playing  on  their  swarthy  feat- 
ures, and  the  gloom  of  the  forest  without,  enhanced  the 
impressiveness  of  it  all. 

From  hand  to  hand  the  calumet  passed  silently,  and  watch- 
ing them  with  interest,  I  knew  they  must  all  be  chiefs  of  the 
Ottawas,  by  reason  of  the  ornaments  in  their  long  coarse 
hair,  as  well  as  the  totems  painted  upon  their  bared  breasts. 
He  who  had  entered  the  lodge  last,  yet  had  taken  position 
farthest  from  the  entrance,  sitting  now  with  head  proudly 
erect,  his  bronze  features  chiselled  into  a  stern  manliness 
unusual  in  a  savage,  could  be  no  other  than  that  truly  great 
chieftain,  whose  name  was  already  the  terror  of  the  English 
border  —  Pontiac.  I  looked  upon  him  with  ever-deepening 
respect,  feeling  to  the  full  his  dominant  spirit  of  savage 
leadership.  A  man  of  more  than  fifty  years,  the  lines  about 
his  mouth  were  firm  and  a  bit  cruel,  his  dark  eyes  restless  and 
filled  with  craft,  his  nose  large  and  wide  of  nostril,  his  cheek 
bones  exceedingly  prominent,  his  body  yet  lithe  and  strong, 
although  somewhat  heavier  in  build  than  were  the  majority 
of  his  race.  His  face  was  strong,  stern,  impenetrable,  a  most 
perfect  mask  to  the  scheming  soul  abiding  within.  It  was 
not  disfigured  by  those  symbols  of  savagery  so  pronounced 
in  the  other  countenances  about  him;  it  was  the  face  of  a 
man  of  intense  will,  inscrutable,  crafty,  ambitious,  fearless  of 
peril,  and  tenacious  of  purpose.  It  was  thus  I  ranked  him, 
nor  have  I  since  found  any  cause  to  revise  that  first  swift 
estimate  of  his  character. 

For  several  minutes  they  continued  to  sit  thus  silent  and 
motionless,  except  as  that  single  carven  pipe  passed  slowly 


222  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

around  the  circle,  each  grave,  taciturn  face  bent  upon  the 
ground.  Apparently  we  remained  utterly  unnoted,  and  I 
slipped  quietly  back  to  the  side  of  Mademoiselle,  where  I 
might  venture  to  whisper  a  final  word  of  encouragement  into 
her  ear.  Then  I  waited,  standing  close  beside  her  shoulder, 
watching  that  group  intently,  and  not  a  little  troubled  and 
puzzled  by  such  unusual  procedure.  I  knew  far  better  than 
to  interrupt  in  any  manner  the  grave  solemnity  of  such  Indian 
ceremonial,  yet  surely  this  was  a  most  peculiar  greeting  to 
be  extended  to  an  envoy  of  France,  one  who  had  journeyed 
many  leagues  to  sit  beside  these  Ottawa  chiefs  at  the  council- 
fire.  It  was  more  as  if  they  held  stern  trial  of  prisoners, 
than  a  meeting  of  welcome  to  an  ambassador.  I  swept  those 
stolid  bronze  faces  with  my  eyes,  feeling  a  twinge  of  indigna- 
tion as  I  marked  anew  their  assumed  indifference  to  my 
presence.  By  Saint  Denis!  let  them  dare  to  voice  slightest 
insult,  and  I  would  show  them,  even  here  in  the  very  seat 
of  their  power,  the  majesty  of  France.  This  rash  impulse  to 
assert  myself,  to  demand  my  rights  openly,  was  still  upper- 
most, struggling  hard  to  burst  through  that  outward  calm 
I  had  assumed,  when  Pontiac  lifted  his  head,  but  without 
deigning  to  glance  in  our  direction,  and  commanded  gravely 
in  French: 

"  Let  the  white  stranger  come  forward,  and  explain  his 
mission  to  the  Ottawas." 

The  words  were  not  gracious,  nor  the  tone  in  which  they 
were  uttered,  yet  I  crushed  back  my  first  unwise  feeling  of 
resentment,  and,  leaving  a  quick,  reassuring  pressure  upon 
my  lady's  hand,  stepped  promptly  forward  to  where  the 
ruddy  light  of  the  flames  fell  full  upon  me.  For  a  moment 
I  met  the  chief's  gaze  fairly,  his  dark,  deeply  indented  eyes, 
haughty  and  stern,  seeming  to  read  me  through  and  through. 
Then  they  dropped  from  my  face  while  he  gravely  scru- 
tinized my  garments. 

"  You  sought  audience  with  Pontiac,"  he  said  with  ex- 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     223 

treme  dignity,  the  guttural  of  his  native  tongue  making  his 
French  difficult  to  follow.  "  It  is  well ;  I  am  here." 

"  Pontiac,  and  chiefs  of  the  Ottawas,"  I  began,  my  voice 
grown  hard  with  the  anger  that  shook  me,  "  this  seems 
strange  reception  to  be  offered  one  sent  hither  by  Mon- 
sieur de  Villiers.  I  come  to  you  also  as  a  chief,  an  officer, 
the  representative  of  a  mighty  nation.  I  am  not  here 
to  beg  your  mercy,  to  bow  my  knee,  nor  to  be  tried  of 
your  council.  What  mean  those  guards  yonder  at  the 
entrance?  Deem  you  that  your  confederacy  is  already  so 
strong  you  can  safely  play  with  French  power,  and  treat 
as  prisoners  those  who  come  to  you  upon  a  mission  of 
friendship  ?  " 

I  paused,  chilled  to  the  very  heart  by  that  strange  silence, 
by  the  grave,  emotionless  scrutiny  with  which  Pontiac's 
mocking  eyes  surveyed  me.  As  I  thus  hesitated  he  arose 
in  slow  dignity  to  his  feet,  wrapping  his  robe  yet  more  closely 
about  his  strong  figure. 

"  We  have  heard  your  words,"  he  said  calmly,  "  and  they 
seem  full  of  threat,  unbecoming  in  council.  Pontiac  has 
ever  been  friend  to  the  French;  he  has  marched  through 
the  forests  in  their  armies,  and  led  his  Ottawas  into  battle 
at  their  desire.  Is  it  likely,  then,  he  would  now  despise 
any  accredited  messenger  from  him  who  commands  for  the 
French  father  upon  the  great  river?  Yet  Pontiac  is  not 
a  fool.  I  have  ofttimes  held  council  before  in  the  lodges 
of  my  people  with  representatives  of  the  great  French  father 
across  the  sea  —  but  they  have  ever  approached  Pontiac's 
council-fires  with  dignity,  robed  as  becomes  soldiers  and 
chiefs,  not  draped  in  rags  unfit  even  for  a  voyageur  after 
furs." 

His  eyes  swept  me  again  from  head  to  heel  in  a  contempt 
he  hardly  tried  to  disguise,  while  I  caught  that  same  ex- 
pression reflected  upon  the  stolid  faces  of  those  about  him. 
Before  I  could  recover  from  my  first  surprise,  and  find  fit 


224  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

speech  in  explanation  of  my  plight,  he  continued  in  the  same 
measured  tone,  each  sentence  a  sarcastic  insult. 

"  Moreover,  white  man,  we  have  already  received  word 
regarding  you,  which,  if  it  prove  to  be  truth,  makes  our 
reception  here  all  too  tender  for  one  who  seeks  to  win  con- 
fidence through  act  of  treachery.  You  speak  English  ?  "  he 
questioned  suddenly,  and  in  that  tongue. 

"  Yes." 

"  I  thought  as  much.  You  were  with  the  ferryman  at  the 
Raisin  ?  " 

"  One  day  and  two  nights." 

"  While  there,  knowing  him  to  be  of  that  blood,  you  told 
him  that  you  were  an  English  officer,  travelling  from  Fort 
Miami,  seeking  to  reach  Detroit  with  an  important  message ; 
you  even  requested  his  assistance  to  that  end  —  is  this  not 
the  truth  ?  " 

I  bowed  in  silence.  It  was  positive  relief  thus  to  realize 
at  last  just  what  was  causing  the  restraint  of  my  reception, 
and  I  smiled  grimly  to  myself  as  I  thought  of  how  swiftly 
this  stern  questioner  would  drop  his  savage  suspicions  at 
glimpse  of  my  papers  of  authority.  Let  him  go  on  now  to 
the  full  length  of  his  string;  the  reaction  would  only  prove 
the  greater,  my  final  triumph  the  more  complete. 

"  After  all  this,"  he  continued  tartly,  angered  at  my  in- 
different bearing,  "  you  dare  to  come  here  to  me,  dressed  in 
those  rags,  asking  to  be  received  and  treated  as  a  French 
officer.  It  must  be  that  you  rank  us  Ottawas  as  fools.  Whom 
do  you  choose  now  to  represent  yourself  as  being  ?  " 

"  Captain  de  Coubert,  the  special  messenger  of  Monsieur 
de  Villiers." 

I  have  never  seen  an  Indian  smile,  but  Pontiac's  thin  lips 
parted  so  that  the  white  teeth  gleamed  maliciously  between. 

"  Indeed !  "  he  exclaimed,  with  a  slight  gesture  of  his 
arm  beneath  the  blanket.  "  We  are  greatly  honored  by 
having  so  distinguished  a  guest  in  our  lodges.  I  even  think 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     225 

I  may  have  heard  the  name  mentioned  before.  Know  you 
if  there  be  two  Captains  de  Coubert  in  the  French  service 
along  this  frontier  ?  " 

"  I  have  heard  of  no  other." 

"  Yet  such  a  thing  might  be  possible,  so  we  will  let  that 
pass.  Now  one  question  more.  Did  the  instructions  you 
received  from  Monsieur  de  Villiers  also  include  the  violent 
attacking  of  my  officers  while  on  your  way  here  ?  " 

"  My  first  duty  was  to  my  own  commander,"  I  replied, 
"  and  the  despatches  I  bore  were  destined  alone  for  your 
perusal.  I  have  done  no  more  than  merely  to  protect  them 
from  being  read  by  others  who  might  misinterpret  them." 

Pontiac's  eyes  were  unbelieving,  and  I  could  perceive  a 
darker  glow  of  anger  beneath  their  half-closed  lids.  An 
instant  they  dwelt  upon  me,  then  he  turned  with  an  impatient 
gesture. 

"  Have  Monsieur  Quilleriez  join  us,"  he  commanded 
imperiously.  "  I  will  sift  this  matter  to  the  very  bottom." 

We  awaited  the  coming  of  that  interesting  individual  in 
a  silence  so  profound  it  could  almost  be  felt.  Beyond  doubt 
I  was  the  calmest  person  present,  for  my  confidence  in  the 
final  outcome  was  by  now  so  complete  I  even  smiled  to 
myself,  while  my  fingers  toyed  with  that  silk-wrapped 
packet  at  my  belt.  Sacre !  't  was  not  a  tragedy  I  attended, 
but  a  farce,  and  I  was  to  ring  up  the  curtain  whenever  these 
others  had  played  out  their  parts.  I  glanced  around  the 
gloomy  lodge,  taking  my  eyes  from  off  those  stolid  Indian 
faces  for  the  first  time  since  our  interview  began.  Cassady 
crouched  just  within  the  entrance,  his  short  hair  ruffled  from 
passing  his  hands  nervously  through  it,  his  gaze  fastened 
upon  Pontiac,  as  if  fascinated  by  the  savage.  The  ladies 
were  farther  back,  amid  the  deeper  shadows,  standing  up, 
their  hands  clasped,  their  faces  exhibiting  plainly  the  doubt 
and  distress  which  swayed  them.  As  I  read  this  open  index 
to  their  feelings,  I  determined  to  bring  such  painful  suspense 

15 


226  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

to  a  sudden  ending.  Yet  even  as  I  turned  for  this  purpose, 
Monsieur  Etienne  Quilleriez  came  jauntily  through  the 
opening,  and  stood  fronting  us,  bowing  and  posturing  with 
all  the  graces  of  a  dancing  master,  his  ribbons,  more  numer- 
ous than  ever,  fluttering  gaily  in  the  red  glare  of  the  flames. 
Certes,  but  he  made  a  fine,  brave  figure,  with  long  sword  at 
thigh,  and  cocked  hat  in  hand,  swelling  out  his  chest,  and 
lifting  himself  upon  his  toes,  yet  I  noticed  he  edged  across 
to  the  opposite  side  of  the  circle,  and  ever  kept  one  suspi- 
cious eye  cocked  in  my  direction.  Pontiac  watched  his  antics 
with  no  great  favor,  I  thought,  especially  when  the  some- 
what embarrassed  Commissary  drew  forth  a  laced  kerchief, 
and  noisily  blew  his  nose. 

"  Enough  of  such  ceremony,  Monsieur  Quilleriez."  The 
chief  spoke  harshly.  "  You  have  merely  been  asked  here 
to  explain  what  you  know  regarding  this  man.  Please  be 
brief." 

The  curt  bluntness  of  this  order  came  as  a  surprise,  and 
the  startled  Commissary  hemmed  and  hawed  for  some 
moments  before  he  could  get  fairly  started,  shrugging  his 
shoulders,  his  goggle  eyes  wandering  from  my  face  to  that 
of  Pontiac,  as  though  seeking  inspiration. 

"  Well,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,  have  you  lost  your  tongue  ?  " 
broke  in  the  chief  impatiently.  "  You  have  ever  enough 
of  it  when  not  wanted,  but  now,  when  I  chance  to  need  your 
information  to  guide  me,  you  stand  there  blinking  and 
speechless  as  a  day-struck  owl.  At  least  you  can  answer 
my  questions.  How  came  you  first  to  meet  with  this 
fellow?" 

This  direct  query  broke  the  spell  of  silence,  and  the  per- 
spiring Commissary  began  reply  with  great  volubility,  his 
hands  gesticulating,  his  head  thrown  farther  back  as  he 
realized  the  growing  importance  of  his  narrative. 

"  Mighty  Chief  of  the  Ottawas,"  he  began,  insensibly 
assuming  the  voice  and  manner  of  an  orator,  "  it  was  upon 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     227 

your  orders  that  I  proceeded  southward,  with  a  party  of 
O  jib  ways  and  Canadians,  seeking  stores  for  my  department, 
and  the  execution  of  certain  other  duties  of  a  more  secret 
nature.  Last  night,  at  about  sundown,  we  were  met  by  the 
ferryman  near  the  crossing  of  the  Raisin.  He  informed 
me  that  a  man,  claiming  to  be  an  English  officer  from  Fort 
Miami  with  despatches  for  Detroit,  was  halted  at  his  place, 
and  he  offered  to  conduct  us  thither  and  assist  in  making 
him  prisoner.  Zealous  as  I  always  am  in  your  service,  most 
illustrious  Pontiac,  I  at  once  prevailed  upon  my  men  to 
follow  me  —  although  they  were  at  first  quite  reluctant  to 
do  so  —  and  we  descended  upon  the  house  amid  the  darkness 
of  night,  surrounding  it  cautiously,  in  the  way  laid  down  by 
La  Savere  for  such  military  emergency,  and  thus  succeeded 
in  making  prisoner  that  red-headed  soldier  yonder,  who  was 
discovered  asleep  in  an  outhouse.  Our  only  casualties  thus 
far  consisted  of  a  bruised  eye  received  by  Francois  Lavern, 
and  sundry  abrasions  among  the  Indians.  Much  of  this 
lack  of  bloodshed  was  doubtless  due  to  the  masterly  manner 
in  which  the  troops  engaged  were  handled.  Having  secured 
this  prisoner,  we  turned  undauntedly  toward  the  further 
duty  facing  us.  Feeling,  according  to  the  well-known  dictum 
of  La  Savere,  that  the  preservation  of  the  commander  was 
o'f  the  utmost  importance,  I  had  the  O  jib  way  warriors  enter 
the  house  first,  followed  closely  by  my  brave  Canadians. 
But  the  room  in  which  the  Englishman  had  been  left  was 
discovered  vacant.  At  first  we  believed  our  bird  had  flown, 
but  an  unusual  noise  drew  our  attention  toward  another 
portion  of  the  cabin.  It  was  that  apartment  wherein  had 
been  locked  for  security  yonder  lovely  damsels,  whom  a 
traveller  of  authority  had  left  a  few  hours  previous  in  the 
care  of  the  ferryman  until  he  should  return." 

He  bowed  as  he  thus  spoke,  his  hand  pressed  upon  his 
heart,  his  eyes  turned  toward  the  dimly  revealed  figures  of 
my  lady  and  Rene. 


228  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  With  that  promptness,  ever  characteristic  of  the  true 
military  profession,  I  at  once  decided  upon  my  line  of 
action.  It  was,  indeed,  with  deep  regret  I  felt  compelled 
by  this  necessity  of  war  to  intrude  upon  their  privacy,  for 
my  heart  is  ever  most  tender  and  considerate  toward  the 
distress  of  the  fair  sex,"  he  continued  impressively.  "  But 
alas,  there  are  times  when  the  duties  of  a  soldier  override 
these  nobler  sentiments,  and  as  a  portion  of  your  orders 
related  to  their  being  —  " 

"  Confine  yourself  to  facts  regarding  this  man,  Monsieur 
Quilleriez,"  burst  forth  Pontiac  impatiently. 

The  flushed  Commissary  started  at  the  harsh,  peremptory 
tone  of  command,  and  his  eyes  shifted  instantly  back  to  the 
stern  face  of  the  Indian,  while  he  mopped  his  forehead  vig- 
orously with  his  embroidered  handkerchief  in  an  endeavor 
to  conceal  his  deep  embarrassment. 

"  Certainly,  with  pleasure,  yes,"  he  stammered.  "  I  merely 
wandered  in  discourse  beneath  the  spell  of  those  bright  and 
beauteous  eyes  —  't  is  ever  the  folly  of  a  Frenchman.  But 
to  resume.  Fearing  that  the  Englishman  might  have  found 
his  way  even  into  that  abode  of  beauty  and  innocence,  I 
proceeded  —  according  to  the  instructions  of  La  Savere  — 
with  that  caution  which,  even  more  than  reckless  daring,  is 
the  true  glory  of  military  command,  placing  my  Indians 
under  command  of  the  ferryman,  who  volunteered  for  the 
service,  and  despatching  them  first  within  the  darkened 
room,  while  I  headed  my  brave  and  impetuous  Canadians 
as  a  reserve  force  in  the  outer  hallway.  The  arrange- 
ment as  thus  consummated  was  in  accordance  with  the 
universally  accepted  rules  of  war,  and  you  will  easily 
realize  the  strategy  shown.  Fortunately  there  was  no  re- 
sistance offered,  although  the  Englishman  was  indeed 
within,  and  armed  with  a  most  vicious-looking  knife,  with 
which  he  attempted  to  terrorize  my  heroic  men,  before 
I  could  hurl  myself  between  them.  With  great  exertion 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     229 

of  authority  I  finally  succeeded  in  restraining  them  from 
violence,  and  demanded  the  instant  surrender  of  the  Eng- 
lishman. It  was  only  at  sight  of  me  that  he  faltered,  and 
claimed  to  be  a  French  messenger  from  Fort  Chartres, 
threatening  me  with  most  dire  results  if  I  ventured  to  place 
hand  upon  him.  Fearing  nothing  from  his  blustering,  I 
told  the  fellow  boldly,  all  that  was  matter  for  your  decision, 
and  that  he  would  have  to  accompany  me  at  once  to  this 
camp.  Finding  resistance  vain,  for  we  had  him  completely 
surrounded,  while  I  held  the  point  of  my  sword  at  his  breast, 
he  at  last  consented,  stipulating  only  that  the  ladies  should 
also  accompany  us.  As  this  accorded  with  your  or —  "  He 
stammered,  his  fluency  instantly  paralyzed  by  the  look  which 
swept  into  the  eyes  of  the  chief.  "I  —  I  —  believed  it  would 
be  best  to  do  so." 

"  You  certainly  behaved  with  great  courage  and  prudence, 
Monsieur  Quilleriez.  Did  your  prisoner  cause  you  any 
trouble  on  the  way  hither  ?  " 

"  While  en  route  I  chanced  to  recall  your  dislike  to  being 
troubled  regarding  such  matters,  and,  after  holding  council 
with  my  brave  Canadians,  resolved  to  demand  at  once  those 
papers  of  authority  which  the  prisoner  claimed  to  have  in  his 
possession.  I  believe  this  also  is  spoken  of  in  the  pages  of 
La  Savere,  but  it  was  rather  the  confidence  you  have  ever 
been  pleased  to  repose  in  my  military  judgment  which  caused 
me  to  feel  that  such  an  act  would  meet  with  your  approval. 
I  approached  him  absolutely  alone  for  that  purpose,  experi- 
encing no  sensation  of  personal  fear,  although  he  had  be- 
fore exhibited  evidences  of  a  most  violent  temper.  As  a 
soldier  I  believe  that  one's  very  life  if  necessary  should 
be  freely  sacrificed  upon  the  altar  of  duty.  Perhaps  I  was 
over  zealous,  and  should  have  exercised  greater  precau- 
tion, yet  I  am  by  nature  quite  impetuous,  and  fearless  to  a 
degree." 

He  paused,  his  eyes  upon  the  swaying  trees  overhead,  his 


230  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

chest  swelling  with  that  deep  sense  of  pride  which  had  been 
awakened  by  his  own  words  of  appreciation. 

"Well,  what  then?" 

Pontiac's  impatient  query,  gruff,  imperious,  brought  the 
fellow  back  to  earth  with  a  suddenness  which  was  startling. 

"  Then  ?  —  then  ?  —  why  then  he  attacked  me  like  a 
wounded  bear.  He  was  a  perfect  giant,  and  I  no  more 
than  a  child  in  his  grasp,  yet  I  should  have  killed  him  upon 
the  spot,  had  I  only  found  opportunity  to  draw  my  sword. 
It  was  a  surprise,  such  as  has  befallen  some  of  the  most 
illustrious  soldiers  of  history.  My  brave  Canadians  hastened 
to  my  succor,  but  for  some  cause  the  Ojibways  had  been  won 
over  to  the  side  of  the  prisoner,  and  they  protected  him  from 
our  just  vengeance.  Yet,  driven  by  the  impetuosity  of  my 
nature,  I  should  have  even  led  an  attack  upon  them  had 
the  Englishman  attempted  to  go  elsewhere  than  direct  to 
this  camp.  As  it  was,  only  with  difficulty  did  my  men  re- 
strain me.  Indeed,  it  was  not  fear  but  discretion  —  as 
fully  described  in  La  Savere  —  which  controlled  my  further 
actions  —  the  thoughtful  prudence  of  a  soldier  who  has 
faced  much  of  peril  on  fields  of  carnage ;  besides,  the  having 
with  us  of  yonder  charming  young  ladies  caused  me  to  hesi- 
tate at  shedding  blood  in  their  presence." 

I  gazed  at  the  fellow  in  no  small  admiration  as  he  stood 
there  bowing  and  smirking,  his  handkerchief  to  his  lips,  his 
little  eyes  seeking  the  averted  faces  of  the  women,  as  though 
he  would  invite  them  to  appreciate  the  rare  forbearance  he 
had  exercised  on  their  behalf.  No  peacock  could  have 
strutted  more  vainly,  or  with  greater  flash  of  color,  than  he 
did  in  his  flaunting  ribbons  and  gay  brocade.  My  eyes  were 
still  resting  upon  him  when  Pontiac  spoke,  his  voice  a  re- 
flection of  the  disgust  he  felt  at  such  foppish  display. 

"  No  doubt  your  duty  was  most  ably  performed,  Monsieur 
Quilleriez,"  he  said  tersely,  and  then  turned  toward  me,  his 
stern  face  hardening  into  the  severity  of  a  judge  about  to 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     231 

pronounce  sentence.  "  And  now,  Englishman,  or  whatever 
you  may  please  to  call  yourself,  what  have  you  to  say  ?  " 

The  moment  had  at  last  arrived  for  me  to  vindicate  my- 
self, and  by  the  speaking  of  a  single  word  put  them  all  to 
shame.  I  glanced  aside  at  Mademoiselle,  meeting  her  gravely 
questioning  eyes  fairly,  and  smiling  back  at  her  in  supreme 
confidence.  Then  I  took  a  step  forward,  drawing  forth  as  I 
did  so  the  packet  of  oiled  silk  from  its  secure  hiding  place 
within  my  belt.  I  felt  myself  the  complete  master  of  the 
situation,  and  faced  that  savage  coterie  with  all  the  stately 
dignity  of  manner  which  is  becoming  a  representative  of  the 
mighty  power  of  France. 

"  This,  Chief  of  the  Ottawas,"  I  returned,  with  no  inclina- 
tion to  mince  words  any  longer.  "  I  have  been  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  gallantry  exhibited  by  Monsieur  Quilleriez, 
and  am  indeed  grateful  to  God  at  having  thus  escaped  serious 
injury  at  the  hands  of  so  zealous  a  soldier.  Yet  in  resisting 
him  I  did  no  more  than  my  own  plain  duty,  as  I  am  very 
sure  you  will  soon  acknowledge.  Beyond  this,  my  sole  de- 
fence will  be  found  within  these  papers,  under  the  seal  of 
Monsieur  de  Villiers,  which  I  now  place  in  the  hands  of  him 
for  whom  they  were  written." 

I  stepped  forward,  across  the  pile  of  blackened  ashes,  and 
held  out  the  package  to  the  chief,  truly  amused  within  my 
own  mind  to  observe  the  manifest  impression  which  my 
confident  words  and  bold  demeanor  made  upon  that  astute 
warrior.  For  the  first  time,  as  he  turned  the  packet  over 
slowly  in  his  hands,  did  there  appear  to  dawn  upon  him  the 
faintest  possibility  of  mistake.  Deliberately  he  untied  the 
binding  cord,  and  unwrapped  the  heavy  outer  covering  of 
oiled  silk ;  then  his  face  darkened  with  sudden  rush  of  pas- 
sion, and  he  hurled  the  packet  from  him,  flying  open  at  my 
feet.  It  was  empty  —  empty !  not  a  single  scrap  of  paper  of 
any  kind  showing  in  the  firelight;  it  had  been  stripped  of 
contents,  left  a  mere  husk,  pathetic  in  its  barrenness.  An 


232  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

instant  he  glowered  upon  me,  as  I  shrank  back,  startled  and 
unnerved  by  this  unexpected  denouement,  his  cruel  eyes 
glittering  with  passion,  his  face  that  of  a  demon  gloating 
over  a  prisoned  victim.  Then  he  burst  forth  into  fierce, 
impetuous  speech,  all  Indian  stolidity  forgotten  in  that  mo- 
ment of  uncontrollable  anger  at  so  contemptible  a  trick. 

"  And  you  dare  play  with  me !  "  he  thundered,  his  foot 
stamping  the  hard  ground  passionately.  "  With  me  ?  with 
Pontiac  ?  Dare  stand  and  lie  to  my  very  teeth,  and  make  of 
me  a  butt  of  laughter  in  a  council  of  chiefs?  By  the  Great 
Spirit,  but  you  shall  pay  for  it,  as  never  white  man  paid  such 
debt  before !  I  will  teach  you  what  it  means  to  thus  affront 
the  war-chief  of  the  Ottawas.  You  shall  die,  Englishman, 
die  as  a  cur  dies  —  die  whining  in  your  agony,  and  begging 
for  mercy.  But  there  will  be  no  mercy  in  the  heart  of  Pon- 
tiac. I  will  remember  your  sly  smiles,  your  bold  words  of 
bravado,  and  will  steel  my  heart  to  your  pain,  while  the 
squaws  work  their  will  on  you,  and  the  warriors  of  the 
Ottawas  dance  with  joy  over  the  revenge  of  their  chief." 

He  turned  suddenly,  leaving  me  struggling  in  vain  to 
speak,  my  lips  too  dry  for  utterance. 

"  Remove  those  women,"  he  said  commandingly.  "  Place 
them  with  the  other  prisoners;  we  will  look  to  them  later. 
Now  I  will  attend  to  this  English  dog." 

Dazed,  benumbed,  speechless,,  scarcely  able  as  yet  to  com- 
prehend the  desperate  stress  in  which  I  so  unexpectedly 
found  myself,  I  watched  dully  as  the  two  passed  by  under 
their  Indian  guard.  It  seemed  to  me  as  if  I  were  no  longer 
a  part  of  this  grim  tragedy,  as  though  I  merely  looked  on 
through  a  dim  haze  at  some  scene  being  enacted  afar  off. 
Yet  I  beheld  it  all  —  the  Corporal  springing  to  his  feet  in  a 
gallant  effort  to  follow,  only  to  be  hurled  violently  back  into 
the  lodge;  Rene,  as  she  passed  me  with  averted  face,  her 
hands  pressed  against  her  forehead,  her  slight  form  trem- 
bling from  indescribable  terror ;  and  then  Mademoiselle,  her 


Monsieur  Quilleriez  Bears  Testimony     233 

cheeks  white  as  the  driven  snow,  her  clear,  indignant  gray 
eyes  meeting  mine,  with  a  look  in  their  depths  which  struck 
me  like  a  blow.  I  stared  after  her,  every  faculty  benumbed 
and  dead,  realizing  at  that  moment  but  one  thing  —  she 
believed  I  had  lied  to  her! 

Suddenly,  as  if  recalled  from  death,  I  heard  Pontiac's 
voice,  stern,  guttural,  hoarse  from  unrestrained  anger;  it 
aroused  me  to  some  slight  conception  of  my  own  imminent 
peril. 

"  Request  the  officer  to  join  us." 

I  glanced  about  in  dull  wonder  upon  that  stolid  ring,  each 
face  as  hard  and  relentless  as  was  the  swarthy  countenance 
of  their  vengeful  leader.  Then  a  new  figure  emerged  through 
the  lighted  entrance.  I  caught  the  colors  blue  and  white,  a 
gleam  of  gold  lace,  a  shimmer  of  bright  buttons,  and  my 
startled  eyes  rested  upon  the  swarthy  face  of  Black  Peter, 
his  stalwart  form  incased  within  the  gorgeous  uniform  of 
an  officer  of  the  French  Guards. 

"  Bien,  Captain  de  Coubert,"  spoke  Pontiac,  sneeringly, 
"  it  is  with  pleasure  I  make  you  acquainted  with  your 
namesake." 


CHAPTER   XXII 

CONDEMNED  TO   TORTURE 

IT  burst  upon  me  in  an  instant  —  that  whole  foul  plot. 
Merciful  God !  how  had  I  ever  been  so  blind !  The  list- 
lessness  of  my  Indian  paddlers,  the  searching  through  the 
pockets  of  my  coat,  the  night  attack  on  the  island,  the 
leaving  us  marooned  amid  the  waters  of  that  death-swamp, 
the  hurried  flight  in  the  canoe,  the  meeting  and  conference 
with  Black  Peter  on  the  upper  reaches  of  the  Illinois  — 
each  separate  detail,  each  half-forgotten  incident,  flashed 
across  my  brain,  startling  every  benumbed  faculty  into  re- 
newed life  by  so  sudden  a  shock  of  discovery. 

With  one  cry  of  uncontrollable  rage  I  dashed  recklessly 
forward,  hurling  aside  those  clutching  red  hands  that  sought 
to  block  my  passage,  and,  ere  he  could  even  fling  up  his 
arms  in  defence,  my  fingers  were  upon  his  throat.  The  force 
of  that  impetuous  onset  flung  the  villain  backward,  and, 
welded  together,  we  crashed  through  that  opening  between 
the  skins  onto  the  hard  ground  without,  struggling  fiercely, 
yet  with  me  on  top,  throttling  him  without  thought  of 
mercy.  It  was  no  more  than  a  minute  I  had,  before  a  dozen 
eager  hands  dragged  me  roughly  back  from  the  prostrate 
man,  striking  me  unmercifully  with  their  sharpened  sticks, 
and  finally  flinging  me,  bleeding  and  breathless,  onto  that 
pile  of  blackened  ashes  before  the  chiefs.  Pontiac  stood 
gazing  down,  his  form  motionless,  his  face  impassive,  an 
awesome,  solemn  figure,  with  fiercely  burning  eyes. 

"  Get  up,  you  cur !  "  he  commanded  roughly.  "  Stand, 
Englishman,  in  presence  of  the  chiefs  of  the  Ottawas." 


Condemned  to  Torture  235 

Someone  kicked  me  viciously,  and  I  staggered  to  my  feet, 
still  dazed  and  blinded  by  the  blows  and  the  fall,  and  faced 
him,  the  entire  lodge  no  more  than  a  dim  mist  swimming 
before  my  eyes. 

"  Has  the  French  officer  been  seriously  injured?" 

There  was  a  guttural  response  from  the  lips  of  some  war- 
rior behind,  and  Black  Peter  was  pushed  forward  into  full 
view.  My  hands  clinched  again  at  sight  of  him;  but, 
although  straining  to  break  away,  gripping,  merciless  fingers 
held  me  helpless,  so  that  I  could  only  stare,  marking  gladly 
a  deep  cut  above  the  fellow's  eye,  and  those  livid  ringer 
marks,  where  I  had  sunk  my  hands  into  the  flabby  flesh  of 
his  swarthy  throat.  He  panted  still,  his  deep  chest  rising 
and  falling  in  painful  throbs,  his  eyes  vacant  and  bloodshot. 
Sacre!  he  had  paid,  at  least,  some  small  price  for  his 
treachery;  if  God  granted  me  life,  I  swore  he  should  pay 
more.  Pontiac  watched  us  with  the  eye  of  a  hawk,  his  circle 
of  silent  chiefs  drawn  closely  about  him,  his  bronze  face  as 
merciless  as  that  of  a  wild  beast. 

"  You  know  what  that  means  ?  "  he  questioned,  his  gaze 
upon  me,  his  finger  pointing  sternly  at  the  disfigured  envoy. 
"  Pontiac  protects  his  French  brothers  when  in  the  lodges 
of  the  Ottawas ;  he  revenges  their  wrongs  even  as  his  own, 
and  he  punishes  their  enemies.  You  know  what  that  blow 
means,  Englishman  ?  " 

I  remained  silent,  reckless  now  of  all  consequences,  yet 
with  my  every  faculty  once  more  alert. 

"  It  means  the  torture,  you  dog,"  he  went  on,  angered  by 
the  seeming  contempt  with  which  I  fronted  him,  and  seeking, 
Indian-like,  to  goad  me  into  begging  for  mercy.  "  It  means 
the  gantlet,  the  stake,  the  fire,  the  gashing  with  knives,  the 
searing  of  flesh,  ay !  the  burning  oil.  You  who  came  lying 
into  the  village  of  the  Ottawas  shall  go  forth  from  it  a 
charred,  shapeless  thing,  to  be  eaten  by  mongrel  dogs ;  and 
before  death  comes  you  shall  sob  to  the  squaws  for  mercy, 


23 6  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

and  they  will  laugh  in  your  face,  and  spit  upon  you.  With 
my  own  knife  will  I  slit  those  false  lips,  and  cut  out  that 
double  tongue,  and  then  will  stand  and  gloat  over  the  tor- 
ments of  one  who  sought  to  play  with  the  great  war-chief 
of  the  Ottawas.  What  say  you,  Englishman?  Are  you 
glad  you  came  ?  " 

"  That  I  am  no  Englishman,"  I  answered,  scarcely  glanc- 
ing at  him,  or  removing  my  eyes  from  off  the  face  of  the 
renegade,  "  but  exactly  what  I  claimed-  to  be,  an  officer  of 
France,  the  rightful  bearer  of  a  message  from  Fort  Chartres. 
You  can  do  to  me  all  you  threaten,  and  I  may  die  here  in 
this  camp  of  the  Ottawas,  but  France  will  revenge  me, 
Pontiac,  and,  in  the  end,  you  shall  pay  far  the  heavier  price 
for  this  foul  act  of  treachery.  I  ask  no  mercy  from  you, 
or  your  red  gang  of  murderers,  but  if  ever  I  gain  my  free- 
dom, be  it  only  for  an  hour,  I  will  kill  yonder  black  brute, 
that  lying,  cowardly  spy,  that  thieving  kidnapper  of  women, 
as  I  would  crush  out  the  life  from  a  venomous  snake.  You 
hear  me,  Pontiac,  and  you  other  chiefs  of  the  Ottawas,  I 
dare  you  to  wreak  your  most  terrible  vengeance ;  I  laugh  at 
your  foolish  threats  of  torture,  for  I  shall  look  through  the 
red  flames  and  see  the  flash  of  the  French  sword  being 
drawn  to  avenge  me.  You  are  the  ones  who  will  pay  —  in 
lives,  in  agony,  in  disruption  of  confederation,  in  bitterness 
of  defeat  —  pay  to  the  last  red  drop  of  blood,  because  you 
chose  to  accept  the  word  of  that  despicable  creature,  and 
sell  your  honor  for  a  handful  of  gold.  Oh,  I  know  the  pur- 
pose of  this  contemptible  brute,  I  know  the  unholy  scheme 
of  ransom  concocted  between  you  —  you  are  the  real  fools, 
you  Ottawas,  not  I,  and,  whether  I  be  then  living  or  dead, 
the  price  of  your  black  crime  will  be  paid ;  the  united  swords 
of  France  and  England  will  demand  it." 

The  dark  coterie  of  chiefs  stirred  angrily  at  my  mad 
words,  but  Pontiac  restrained  them  with  a  gesture,  his  burn- 
ing eyes  never  once  leaving  my  face. 


Condemned  to  Torture  237 

"  Think  you,  Ottawas,"  I  went  on,  my  voice  grown 
stronger  from  the  emotion  that  swayed  it,  "  you  can  torture 
to  death  a  French  Captain,  and  it  will  not  become  known? 
The  very  leaves  of  the  forest  shall  whisper  the  news  to  the 
ears  of  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  Is  he  a  man  to  forgive  such 
deed?  a  man  to  say  weakly  it  was  all  a  mistake?  Men  of 
my  race  have  died  before  in  your  Indian  fires,  hidden  away 
in  the  darkest  corner  of  the  great  woods,  yet  recall  you  one 
such  instance  when  it  remained  long  unknown  ?  one  instance 
where  France  failed  to  avenge  the  outrage?  I  dare  you  to 
burn  me,  Pontiac,  and  you,  Ottawa  chiefs ;  I  am  no  friend- 
less coureur  de  bois,  no  homeless  voyageur;  I  am  an  officer 
of  France,  under  protection  of  the  fleur  de  Us." 

My  audacious  words,  my  openly  expressed  contempt,  my 
utterance  of  solemn  warning  were  not  without  weight.  I 
could  read  that  much  in  those  dark  faces,  and  within  the 
depths  of  Pontiac's  glittering  eyes.  A  doubt  had  been  born, 
however  small,  and  for  the  moment  paralyzed  action.  Could 
it  be  they  had  been  deceived  ?  What  mere  adventurer  would 
ever  dare  hurl  such  words  of  biting  scorn  into  their  very 
teeth?  But  this  hesitancy  was  merely  for  the  instant; 
hatred,  the  intense  thirst  for  savage  vengeance,  swept  aside 
all  consideration  of  consequence,  even  Indian  stolidity  being 
forgotten  in  that  first  recurring  wave  of  unrestrained  license. 
For  a  moment  I  believed  they  would  spring  upon  me,  would 
tear  me  into  shreds  like  so  many  famished  wolves,  but  Pon- 
tiac drove  them  back,  lashing  them  into  sullen  silence  with 
his  bitter  tongue. 

"  Not  until  the  absent  warriors  of  the  Ottawas  return  to 
their  lodges  shall  this  white  man  die,"  he  commanded. 
"  Then  he  shall  make  fit  sacrifice  for  the  vengeance  of  those 
he  has  vilified.  Take  him  and  his  companion  to  the  lodge 
where  the  other  is  guarded.  To-morrow  we  will  paint  them 
black,  and  when  the  shadows  fall  they  shall  sing  their  death- 
song  in  the  flames.  'T  is  the  judgment  of  Pontiac." 


23 8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

I  never  so  much  as  quivered  while  I  looked  at  him, 
scarcely  realizing  the  full  portent  of  those  solemn  words  of 
doom.  Brawny  arms  pressed  me  backward,  holding  me 
helpless  within  their  cruel  grip;  I  saw  the  vindictive  sneer 
on  Black  Peter's  face,  the  silly  smirk  upon  the  upturned 
features  of  Monsieur  Quilleriez.  Then  something  occurred 
to  change  it  all.  With  desperate  wrench  Cassady  broke 
loose  from  the  careless  grasp  of  his  guards,  and  plunged 
headlong  into  that  little  vacant  space  between  us.  In  an 
instant  the  entire  lodge  was  in  an  uproar,  and  even  I  shrank 
back  with  all  those  others,  staring  in  momentary  horror  at 
the  mad  convolutions  of  the  Irishman.  Could  this,  indeed, 
be  merely  acting,  or  had  terror,  at  last,  smitten  the  poor 
devil  so  harshly  as  to  drive  him  mad  ?  Whichever  it  might 
be,  there  was  no  doubt  in  the  minds  of  the  savages  —  with 
wild,  guttural  cries  of  fright  they  scrambled  backward,  push- 
ing and  jostling  each  other  in  mad  ambition  to  yield  him 
room,  as  though  even  the  chance  touch  of  his  body  might 
bring  pestilence.  Never  before  had  I  witnessed  superstition 
work  so  swift  a  spell.  Their  startled  eyes,  their  frantic 
shouts,  their  frenzied  scrambling  gave  direct  lie  to  that  grave 
stolidity  which  had  heretofore  marked  them.  It  was  a  wild 
rout,  and  when  that  first  headlong  rush  had  ceased,  and  the 
boldest  among  them  ventured  to  glance  stealthily  back  at 
the  cause  of  their  alarm,  Pontiac  alone  remained  as  he  had 
been  before,  yet  even  he  had  drawn  aside  as  if  from  con- 
tagion, his  startled  face  the  reflection  of  fear,  naught  save 
dominant  pride  holding  him  fettered  beside  that  writhing 
body. 

Bon  Dieu!  but  it  was  a  sight  to  chill  bolder  heart  than 
mine!  With  teeth  tightly  clinched,  a  white  foam  issuing 
from  between  the  parted  lips,  eyes  now  rolling  horribly, 
now  set  and  glassy,  his  form  changing  constantly  from  death- 
like rigidity  to  convolutions  strange  to  any  acrobat;  now 
stiffening  with  a  jerk  which  seemed  to  snap  the  tense  muscles 


Condemned  to  Torture  239 

like  whipcords,  then  becoming  flexible  as  rubber ;  writhing, 
twisting,  rolling,  leaping  from  off  the  ground  as  if  propelled 
upward  by  some  hidden  spring,  his  face  colorless  as  marble, 
his  hands  clutching  crazily  at  the  empty  air,  his  moans  like 
those  of  a  wild  beast,  the  stricken  corporal  formed  a  spec- 
tacle so  terrible  to  gaze  upon  as  to  cause  me,  doubtful  as  I 
was  of  its  reality,  to  bury  my  eyes  behind  my  hands,  seeking 
to  shut  out  the  dreadful  sight. 

Slowly,  cautiously,  those  startled  warriors  drew  closer 
about  the  struggling  man,  drawn  thither  by  savage  curi- 
osity, yet  ever  keeping  beyond  the  utmost  reach  of  his  ges- 
ticulating limbs,  lest  their  very  touch  should  bring  them  evil. 
I  marked  their  stern  chief  shrink  even  farther  aside,  his 
eyes  filled  with  dread  lest  this  smiting  might  prove  the  har- 
binger of  some  ill  fortune  to  his  people,  some  omen  of 
despair  to  himself.  At  last  he  spoke,  his  voice  the  mere 
echo  of  that  used  before. 

"  This  man  has  been  stricken  of  the  Great  Spirit,"  he  said 
solemnly.  "  One  greater  than  Pontiac  has  laid  avenging 
finger  on  the  brain  of  this  white  soldier.  Leave  him  here 
within  the  council-lodge,  yet  do  with  the  other  as  I  bade 
you.  Then  let  the  Ottawas  gather  with  their  medicine-men 
to  make  peace  with  the  Great  Spirit,  that  we  may  be  delivered 
from  this  impending  evil." 

One  by  one  they  passed  out  through  the  narrow  opening, 
dragging  me  with  them,  casting  back  as  they  fled  glances  of 
awe  at  that  sorely  stricken  man  left  writhing  and  moaning 
alone  among  the  black  shadows.  Their  guttural  mutterings 
to  each  other,  the  uneasy  rolling  of  their  dark  eyes,  gave 
sufficient  evidence  of  how  thoroughly  superstitious  fear  had 
overcome  their  gravity.  Pontiac  was  last  of  all  to  desert 
that  accursed  interior;  I  saw  him  backing  forth  as  from  a 
throne-room,  his  eyes  fastened  upon  the  afflicted  Irishman, 
his  hands  outspread,  as  though  he  would  thus  turn  aside 
that  dread  evil  threatening  his  village.  Not  until  the  yawn- 


24°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

ing  hole  had  been  securely  closed  with  a  great  skin,  did  any 
savage  about  me  wholly  regain  self-control.  The  super- 
natural, the  unknown,  the  mysterious  and  uncanny,  had  laid 
clammy  hand  upon  every  untutored  imagination,  had  filled 
that  black  council-lodge  with  innumerable  foul  spirits  of 
the  air,  to  remain  a  curse  unto  their  tribe  until  some  fit 
sacrifice,  offered  amid  the  dismal  incantations  of  their  ghostly 
medicine-men,  should  drive  them  forth,  impotent  for  further 
injury.  Superstition  in  an  instant  had  utterly  vanquished 
courage,  and  turned  each  stolid  savage  into  a  shrinking, 
skulking  coward,  trembling  at  an  unwonted  sound,  fright- 
ened by  every  vague,  flitting  shadow  of  the  forest. 

Nor  did  this  spell  pass  quickly.  Those  four  brawny  war- 
riors, in  whose  charge  I  was  left,  hurried  me  forward  beyond 
the  gleam  of  the  fire,  glancing  askance  at  each  rustling  of 
the  leaves  as  we  traversed  our  path  amid  the  great  trees,  and 
trembling  like  so  many  cravens  when  the  full,  round  moon 
burst  suddenly  into  their  faces  from  behind  an  obscuring 
cloud.  Yet  they  held  me  tightly  enough,  their  gripping 
hands  more  hard  and  cruel  from  their  craven  fears,  their, 
merciless  prodding  more  relentless  from  their  own  'eagerness 
to  have  done  with  such  disagreeable  duty.  It  was  thus  they 
drove  me  for  upward  of  a  mile,  along  a  vague,  shadowy 
trail,  closely  skirting  the  water-course,  a  trail  littered  with 
roots,  and  obstructed  by  small  round  stones.  Over  these  I 
stumbled  in  the  darkness,  only  to  be  lashed  back  once  more 
into  the  narrow  track,  and  urged  forward  with  greater 
rapidity,  one  swarthy  brute  ever  behind  to  goad  me  merci- 
lessly with  his  blackened  stick. 

We  attained  the  end  of  this  journey  at  last,  a  rude  log 
cabin,  containing  but  a  single  room,  set  in  the  midst  of  a 
little  opening,  apparently  hewn  from  out  the  heart  of  the 
forest.  The  only  visible  entrance  leading  into  its  black  in- 
terior was  barred  halfway  up  with  stout  oaken  slabs.  Just 
in  front  of  this  door  flickered  a  small  fire,  around  which 


Condemned  to  Torture  241 

were  clustered  a  party  of  Indians,  with  one  or  two  Canadians 
among  them,  wrapped  in  their  gray  coats.  All  these  sprang 
up  as  we  approached,  crowding  about  me  with  much  merri- 
ment and  cruel  buffeting,  until  finally  those  in  whose  charge 
I  was,  becoming  tired  of  the  rude  sport,  lifted  me  suddenly 
in  their  arms,  and,  with  a  shout  and  heave,  tossed  me  head- 
long across  the  high  slab  barrier  into  the  unknown  interior 
of  the  hut.  I  came  down  upon  the  hard  earthen  floor 
heavily,  the  breath  knocked  completely  from  my  body,  and 
lay  there,  helplessly,  huddled  where  I  fell.  In  mind  I  was 
dazed,  bewildered,  my  body  aching  in  every  bone,  my  flesh 
a  mass  of  contusions.  Little  by  little  there  dawned  more 
clearly  upon  me  a  realization  of  my  terrible  situation,  the 
awfulness  of  that  fate  awaiting  me.  I  thought  of  Pontiac, 
seeking  vainly  to  devise  some  feasible  means  whereby  I 
might  yet  awaken  his  doubt;  I  saw  again  the  half-breed 
sneering  at  me  in  his  moment  of  triumph,  and  clinched  my 
teeth  in  savage  eagerness  for  revenge.  Then,  like  some 
visiting  angel,  there  stole  in  upon  my  groping  memory  rec- 
ollection of  Mademoiselle,  of  that  last  proud  glance  of  scorn 
at  my  deception  burning  in  her  brave  gray  eyes.  Ah,  this 
was  the  hardest !  I  could  bear  the  rest,  as  men  like  me  had 
borne  such  fate  before,  smiling  to  the  end  into  the  loathsome 
faces  of  their  red  torturers ;  could  bear  it  unshrinking  and 
undismayed  if  I  might  only  know  she  yet  trusted  in  my 
honor.  Bon  Dieu!  how  I  loved  her  then!  loved  her  in 
spite  of  all  that  hurt  me  so  grievously,  recalling  jealously 
to  memory  every  slight  kindness  of  speech,  every  gracious 
look,  upon  which  I  might  build  vague  hope  of  some  day 
breaking  down  that  barrier  of  pride  and  caste  between  us. 
It  was  not  my  nature  to  yield  wholly  until  the  last  breath 
left  the  body,  and  hence  it  was  that  even  then,  facing  a  death 
which  seemed  inevitable,  my  strong  love  conquered  the  night 
shadows,  and  sported  unchecked  amid  a  future  sunshine. 
Saint  Denis!  it  was  better  so;  the  spur  of  it  stirred  my 

16 


242  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

stagnant  blood,  awakening  me  from  that  dull  despair  which 
paralyzes  action.  I  could  think,  plan,  ay!  if  chance  arose, 
even  strike  again! 

Far  off,  along  the  dim  aisles  of  the  surrounding  forest, 
I  could  distinguish  the  dismal  pounding  of  the  tom-tom,  and 
knew  the  medicine-men  were  gathering  to  practise  their 
sorcery  and  drive  forth  the  spirit  of  evil  from  the  lodges  of 
the  Ottawas.  It  was  a  melancholy  sound  to  listen  to  in  such 
a  place,  bespeaking  every  approaching  horror  of  the  morrow. 
Then  those  Indians  without  burst  into  savage  chant,  so 
mournfully  distressing,  so  morbidly  horrible  in  its  fiendish 
measure,  that  I  closed  my  ears  to  shut  out  the  gruesome 
discord.  It  was  then  that  nature  conquered,  and,  huddled 
up  as  I  was  like  a  dog,  I  fell  asleep,  the  dreamless  sleep  of 
sheer  exhaustion. 


CHAPTER   XXIII 

I   DISCOVER  A   NEW   COMRADE 

THE  sunshine  in  broad  flood  of  gleaming  gold  streamed 
through  the  opening  above  me  when  I  first  awoke, 
while  a  bird  was  singing  joyously  upon  some  tree  without. 
I  lay  there  for  several  minutes,  curled  up  in  that  same  ball 
in  which  I  had  been  sleeping  for  hours.  I  could  face  now 
clearly  for  the  first  time  the  utter  desperation  of  my  posi- 
tion. So  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  had  the  blow  fallen, 
it  only  served,  the  evening  previous,  to  bewilder  my  mind, 
and  blows  and  ill  usage  had  intensified  the  shock.  But  now 
I  awakened  with  clarified  brain,  every  faculty  completely 
alert  for  the  coming  struggle. 

I  worked  slowly  to  my  feet,  using  the  rough  logs  as 
assistance,  for  my  every  bone  ached  painfully,  and  my  limbs 
were  stiff.  My  head,  being  thus  brought  above  the  level  of 
the  barricade  at  the  door,  enabled  me  to  peer  out  curiously 
at  the  scene  beyond;  yet  I  had  barely  caught  one  swift 
glimpse  of  the  little  clearing,  with  that  group  of  warriors 
yet  crouching  about  the  fire,  when  an  Indian,  who  must  have 
been  standing  on  guard  at  the  very  threshold,  caught  sight 
of  me,  and,  uttering  a  guttural  exclamation,  aimed  a  sudden 
blow  at  my  head  with  the  barrel  of  his  gun.  I  dodged  back 
quickly,  escaping  the  iron  by  the  merest  fraction  of  an  inch, 
and,  as  my  hands  released  their  supporting  grip  upon  the  log, 
I  sank  down  once  more  into  my  old  position  on  the  floor.  A 
wooden  platter,  with  some  bits  of  meat  in  it,  rested  almost  in 
front  of  me,  where  it  had  doubtless  been  carelessly  dropped 
by  someone  leaning  across  the  slab  barrier  while  I  yet  slept. 


244  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Feeling  greatly  the  need  of  food  to  yield  me  strength, 
although  loathing  its  appearance,  I  began  eating  slowly,  my 
thoughts  upon  the  situation,  my  eyes  studying  furtively  the 
varied  features  of  the  place  wherein  I  was  confined.  From 
all  appearances  it  was  the  commonest  kind  of  log  cabin,  a 
mere  empty  shack,  hardly  fit  for  even  ordinary  habitation, 
the  walls  bare  and  ragged,  the  roof  low,  the  floor  trampled 
earth.  Yet  it  was  sufficiently  strong  for  the  purposes  of  a 
prison,  when  one  realized  that  watchful,  armed  guard  sta- 
tioned without.  My  eyes  swept  along  the  great  hewn  logs, 
seeking  in  vain  for  slightest  evidence  of  decay,  and  I  par- 
tially turned,  that  I  might  better  obtain  view  of  that  wall 
behind  me.  As  I  did  so  my  heart  gave  a  sudden  throb  of 
surprise.  There,  upon  a  rude  bench,  staring  directly  at  me, 
sat  a  white  man. 

For  the  moment  neither  spoke,  and  I  had  ample  oppor- 
tunity to  view  him  clearly.  He  was  a  young  fellow,  not 
more  than  five  and  twenty,  having  a  strongly  aggressive 
face,  the  chin  broad  with  a  dimple  in  it,  and  serious  gray 
eyes,  somewhat  deeply  sunken.  His  complexion  was  fair, 
unusually  so,  his  hair  light,  and  although  cut  rather  short 
for  these  times,  plainly  exhibited  a  natural  tendency  to  curl. 
His  face  was  clean  shaven,  and  he  appeared  to  be  a  man  of 
good  girth  and  limb.  There  was  a  black  mark,  as  from  a 
recent  bruise,  on  one  cheek,  while  his  clothing  was  torn  and 
disordered,  yet  he  wore  the  gaudy  red  coat  of  the  British 
line,  with  fragments  of  gold  lace  still  clinging  pathetically 
to  sleeve  and  shoulder. 

"  My  God !  "  he  exclaimed  at  last  in  English,  continuing 
to  stare  at  me  in  evident  perplexity.  "  Are  you  truly  a 
white  man  ?  " 

"  I  have  always  suspected  as  much,"  I  returned,  a  bit 
nettled  by  his  doubtful  tone,  "  but  I  may  have  changed 
greatly  since  I  last  saw  a  mirror." 

"  Saint  George,  and  you  surely  have ! "  was  the  instant 


I  Discover  a  New  Comrade  245 

response,  "  for  your  face  is  black  enough  to  be  that  of  a 
Guinea  negro.  I  watched  you  sleeping  yonder  for  maybe 
an  hour,  but  you  were  curled  up  so  like  some  wild  animal, 
and  your  exposed  cheek  possessed  such  a  color,  I  knew  not 
exactly  what  to  make  of  you.  However,  this  is  no  place  for 
any  small  civilities,  and  as  you  are  white  also,  give  me  your 
hand." 

He  strode  toward  me,  a  full  six-footer,  and  I  met  him  half 
way,  our  hands  clasping,  while  we  took  mental  stock  of  each 
other.  His  eyes  brightened. 

"  Well,  you  are  really  not  so  bad,  now  that  I  gain  a 
fairer  view  of  you,"  he  admitted  good  humoredly.  "  But 
how  came  you  with  so  gruesome  a  face  ?  'T  is  more  the 
color  of  chocolate  than  aught  else  I  retain  in  memory." 

"  The  savages  dragged  me  through  the  ashes  of  a  fire  last 
night,  in  addition  to  which  I  received  falls  enough  along  the 
trail  to  add  variety  to  any  decoration  that  might  then  have 
been  given." 

"  I  should  imagine  so,  for  I  chanced  to  witness  your  en- 
trance here,  and  truly  wonder  the  drop  did  not  break  your 
neck.  But,  even  beneath  its  war-paint,  your  face  is  a  strange 
one  to  my  eyes;  surely  you  were  not  of  the  Detroit 
garrison  ?  " 

I  shook  my  head,  grown  somewhat  interested  in  the  boyish 
bluntness  of  his  questioning. 

"  From  Fort  Miami,  or  the  Saint  Joseph,  mayhap  ?  Or 
were  you  with  Etherington  at  Michilimackinac  ?  —  all  alike, 
we  hear  now,  the  prey  of  the  red  savages." 

"  Neither,"  I  responded  quietly,  yet  wondering  how  he 
would  take  it.  "  I  came  hither  from  the  Illinois  country, 
from  Fort  Chartres,  on  the  great  river." 

He  drew  back  instantly,  his  eyes  picturing  sudden  be- 
wilderment. 

"  Do  you  mean  that  you  are  French  ? "  he  questioned 
doubtfully.  "One  of  Monsieur  de  Villiers'  soldiers?"  ,.- 


246  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  I  was  never  connected  with  the  garrison  at  Chartres,  but 
am  nevertheless  a  French  soldier,  Monsieur.  You  act  as  if 
such  acknowledgment  were  confession  of  crime.  It  should 
be  enough  to  know  that  we  are  now  both  prisoners  to  the 
same  foe." 

His  sensitive  face  flushed  redly  to  the  reproof  in  my  words, 
yet  he  possessed  the  English  stubbornness  and  prejudice 
against  my  nation. 

"  That  may  all  be  true,"  he  admitted  soberly ;  "  yet  we 
of  the  Detroit  garrison  have  good  enough  reason  to  distrust 
French  words  when  spoken  on  this  frontier.  Frankly,  I 
would  much  prefer  that  you  were  English,  Monsieur,  so  that 
we  might  unite  our  forces  in  this  time  of  peril.  Were  you 
in  the  ranks  ?  " 

His  tone  had  a  military  brusqueness  which  I  resented. 
Evidently  he  sought  to  impress  me  as  being  a  superior. 

"  I  am  captain  of  hussars,"  I  answered  more  coldly. 
"  My  name  is  De  Coubert." 

"  Ah,  that  is  decidedly  better,"  with  new  cordiality  in 
voice  and  manner.  "  We  can  at  least  meet  upon  social 
equality,  which  has  its  value  —  I  am  Lieutenant  Challoner, 
of  the  Forty-seventh  British  Foot.  Yet  how  happens  it, 
Monsieur,  that  you  are  here  in  such  distress?  It  was 
rumored  among  us  in  Detroit  that  Pontiac  and  Monsieur  de 
Villiers  were  hand  and  glove  together;  that  in  spite  of  the 
clear  terms  of  the  Treaty  of  Paris,  the  French  were  sending 
munitions  of  war,  and  even  men,  to  aid  our  besiegers.  Saint 
George!  we  despatched  a  messenger  thither  a  full  month 
since,  striving  to  get  at  the  truth  over  the  Frenchman's  own 
signature,  yet  the  fellow  has  not  returned  with  any  answer." 

"  Was  he  a  Canadian  half-breed  ?  "  I  questioned,  ignoring 
for  the  moment  his  own  query.  "  How  was  he  known  to 
you  in  Detroit  ?  " 

"  Chiefly  by  his  nickname,  Black  Peter.  His  mother  was 
English,  his  father  an  Indian  half-breed.  A  poor  enough 


I  Discover  a  New  Comrade  247 

representative,  I  frankly  admit,  yet  where  could  Gladwyn 
find  a  better?  No  English  officer  could  ever  penetrate  that 
cordon  of  savages  unmolested,  but  there  was  hope  that  such 
as  he  might  get  through.  By  any  chance  did  you  meet  with 
him  in  that  country,  Monsieur  ?  " 

I  could  not  well  fail  to  remark  the  scarcely  veiled  depth 
of  interest  so  apparent  in  his  manner,  and  dimly  wondered 
at  it. 

"  It  is  beyond  doubt  the  same  man ! "  I  returned,  my 
temper  rising  as  I  recurred  to  it  all.  "  A  big,  swarthy 
brute,  the  savage  in  him  barely  covered  by  his  English 
blood.  Ay,  I  met  him!  He  departed  from  Chartres  three 
days  behind  me,  bearing  Monsieur  de  Villiers'  reply  to 
Gladwyn's  note.  Yet,  through  misfortune  overtaking  me 
upon  the  trail,  he  reached  this  region  in  advance  of  me. 
Last  night  I  encountered  him  again  in  the  council  lodge 
with  Pontiac.  It  was  his  damnable  lie  that  brought  me 
here." 

The  Englishman  stared  at  me,  as  though  utterly  unable  to 
comprehend  such  plain  speech. 

"  His  lie,  Monsieur?  "  he  blurted  out  boyishly.  "  I  hardly 
understand  how  that  could  be.  Yet,  how  dared  the  fellow 
venture  thus  within  the  camp  of  these  savages?  He  was 
never  of  bold  heart,  although  he  bragged  loudly.  Possessed 
he,  think  you,  some  secrets  of  correspondence  to  sell  ?  " 

"  He  had  somewhat  to  sell,  no  doubt.  Ay,  more  valuable 
than  any  letters  —  his  merchandise  was  flesh  and  blood.  Yet 
it  was  not  that  alone  which  yielded  him  such  courage.  He 
wore  my  stolen  uniform,  and  made  play  with  these  secret 
papers  intrusted  to  me  by  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  Sacre!  it 
was  a  smart  trick  enough,  and  he  landed  me,  gasping  like 
a  fish ;  yet  if  I  live  it  shall  cost  him  a  goodly  measure." 

The  Lieutenant  leaned  back  against  the  log  wall  smiling 
broadly;  evidently  the  recital  contained  features  of  amuse- 
ment, nor  was  it  at  all  likely  he  would  greatly  regret  my 


248  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

discomfiture.  But  suddenly  the  look  of  enjoyment  faded, 
and  his- eyes  became  anxious. 

"  While  at  Chartres,"  he  questioned  soberly,  his  voice  un- 
steady, "  saw  you  anything  of  two  English  girls,  Monsieur?  " 

"  There  were  two  there  when  I  left,"  I  answered,  hesitat- 
ing a  moment  in  surprise  at  his  knowledge.  "  A  Miss  Mait- 
land,  together  with  her  companion." 

"  My  God !  I  thought  as  much !  "  he  exclaimed,  his  lips 
white  and  trembling.  "  Brief  word  reached  us  that  they 
had  proceeded  up  the  river  from  New  Orleans,  believing  the 
war  between  our  nations  over.  Saint  George !  it  was  a  wild 
scheme  for  such  as  they  to  undertake !  Were  they  well  when 
you  left  there?  I  mean,  uninjured?" 

"  At  that  time,  yes.  But  may  I  inquire  if  either  of  these 
ladies  is  personally  known  to  you  ?  " 

"  Personally  known  ?  "  indignantly.  "  To  few  better,  I 
may  safely  say.  Miss  Maitland  is  my  fiancee,  Monsieur. 
Saint  Andrew!  it  drives  me  nearly  crazy  to  think  of  her 
being  held  there  thus,  with  all  these  haunted  leagues  of  wil- 
derness stretching  between  us.  It  was  seeking  word  of  them 
through  Indian  sources  that  brought  me  from  the  Fort,  and 
into  this  miserable  plight." 

It  was  certainly  fortunate  that  his  eyes  were  not  upon  me 
as  he  spoke,  or  he  would  surely  have  read  the  truth  written 
upon  my  face.  With  such  suddenness  fell  the  sharp  blow 
of  his  unexpected  words  that  I  started  back  from  him,  feel- 
ing for  an  instant  faint  and  dizzy,  so  that  I  reeled  like  a 
drunken  man. 

"  Your  fiancee ! "  I  exclaimed  incredulous,  all  self-control 
shattered.  "  Do  you  mean  that  you  are  engaged  to  be  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Maitland  ?  " 

"Do  I?  And  why  not,  pray?  Am  I  so  ill-looking  as  to 
make  that  impossible  ?  "  he  questioned  sarcastically.  "  True, 
I  may  not  dress  exactly  to  fit  the  character,  Monsieur,  yet 
I  am  heir  to  a  very  pretty  property  across  the  water;  yes, 


I  Discover  a  New  Comrade  249 

and  but  one  step  between  me  and  a  title  of  some  conse- 
quence  "  His  eyes  fell  upon  my  face,  and  he  paused 

in  his  raillery,  as  if  smitten  dumb  at  sight  of  what  he  read 
therein. 

"  Why  the  devil  do  you  stare  at  me  like  that  ?  "  he  de- 
manded hoarsely.  "  By  God !  I  half  believe  you  know  far 
more  than  you  dare  to  tell.  Look  me  square  in  the  eyes, 
man!  Curse  you,  if  slightest  harm  has  befallen  that  lady 
through  your  assistance,  I  '11  throttle  you  where  you  stand." 

It  was  no  idle  threat ;  I  read  the  truth  of  his  words  clearly 
expressed  in  the  stern  gaze  bent  upon  me,  the  quick,  incisive 
movement  of  his  hands.  Disquieted  as  I  was  by  this  reve- 
lation, his  boyish  blustering  angered  me,  and  we  stood  there 
eye  to  eye  as  though  about  to  close  in  battle.  Then  my 
calmer  judgment  came  to  the  rescue. 

"  Wait,"  I  said  gravely,  forcing  back  every  outward  show 
of  emotion.  "  Beyond  doubt  you  have  perfect  right  to  my 
story.  I  believe  it  should  leave  us  friends,  rather  than 
enemies." 

Slowly  and  deliberately,  weighing  with  much  care  each 
word  uttered,  lest  I  should  express  what  would  better  remain 
unsaid,  I  gave  him  briefly  those  occurrences  which  had  be- 
fallen Cassady  and  myself,  together  with  an  account  of  our 
friendly  relationship  toward  Mademoiselle  and  Rene.  I 
dwelt  little  upon  detail,  omitting  all  that  was  strictly  per- 
sonal in  our  conversations,  yet  striving  to  place  the  salient 
facts  before  him  fairly  and  concisely.  As  I  drew  to  the  end 
of  my  narrative  he  sat  hunched  over  upon  the  low  bench, 
his  face  buried  in  his  hands,  his  body  trembling  as  from  an 
ague  fit.  Suddenly,  as  I  came  to  a  final  pause,  yielding 
apparently  to  his  first  impulse,  he  sprang  to  his  feet  and 
seized  me  warmly  by  the  hand. 

"  Monsieur,  you  have  done  your  best,"  he  exclaimed  fer- 
vently. "  Saint  Andrew !  such  luck ;  such  accursed  luck ! 
Believe  you  grave  harm  yet  threatens  them?"  .. 


250  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  No  more  than  to  be  held  as  prisoners  until  a  fit  ransom 
can  be  arranged  for.  That  is,  such  no  doubt  would  be  the 
policy  of  Pontiac,  yet  the  half-breed  may  have  other  less 
innocent  motives,  and  these  savages  care  little  for  the  cus- 
toms of  civilized  warfare.  Sacre!  for  my  own  part,  Mon- 
sieur, I  would  much  rather  have  them  safely  out  of  it." 

He  paced  restlessly  back  and  forth  across  the  hard  beaten 
floor,  his  face  darkened  with  unpleasant  thought,  his  hands 
clinched  as  though  he  struggled  thus  to  control  himself. 
:  "  Poor  girl ;  poor  helpless,  deserted  girl,"  he  muttered 
sadly ;  then  lifted  his  voice  somewhat.  "  And  we  are  held 
here  prisoners  like  two  fools,  Monsieur,  under  the  guard  of 
Indian  rifles.  My  God!  there  must  surely  be  some  way 
leading  out  of  it.  I  was  thoroughly  disheartened  before, 
while  facing  merely  my  own  fate,  but  now  I  am  crazed  to 
desperation  at  realizing  their  danger." 

P  "  Then  you  have  discovered  no  point  of  weakness  any- , 
where  ?  "  and  I  glanced  about  us  over  the  bare  walls. 

"  None  that  so  much  as  a  mouse  might  squeeze  through. 
I  have  sounded  every  log  within  reach,  and  even  essayed  the 
roof,  but  all  equally  in  vain.  Yonder  is  the  only  opening, 
and  if  one  but  merely  glance  forth,  seeking  glimpse  of  the 
blue  sky  without,  it  is  to  have  a  rifle  barrel  thrust  in  one's 
face  by  no  gentle  hand.  Saint  Andrew !  it  was  in  such  ex- 
periment I  received  this  bruise  upon  my  cheek." 

Assuredly  this  was  no  small  problem  which  grimly  faced 
us,  yet  we  talked  it  over  together  as  though  we  were  old 
friends,  becoming  more  clear-headed  and  calm  of  judgment 
as  we  thus  faced  the  matter  squarely.  There  was  no  further 
reference  to  the  ladies,  as  I  remember,  for  we  realized  that 
our  own  escape  must  first  be  compassed  before  we  could 
even  hope  to  succor  others  in  peril.  Yet  all  our  discussion 
found  ending  in  despair,  and  at  the  closing  of  it  we  seemed 
as  hopelessly  entangled  as  at  the  beginning.  Plan  after  plan 
occurred  to  us,  only  to  be  wrecked  as  suddenly  by  insur- 


I  Discover  a  New  Comrade  251 

mountable  obstacles,  until,  at  last,  we  both  stopped  speaking 
and  sat  staring-  each  into  the  other's  blank  face,  utterly 
baffled,  and  with  naught  fronting  us  save  defeat. 

"  Sacre!"  I  exclaimed,  in  disgust  at  such  barren  outlook. 
"  There  seems  nothing  for  it  but  sheer  luck ;  well,  't  is  a 
jade  that  has  served  me  occasionally  in  the  past." 

"  Ay,  but  one  ever  fickle,"  he  retorted,  his  temper  not  the 
best-  under  such  delay ;  "  nor  am  I  accustomed  to  being  thus 
mocked  in  earnest  endeavor " 

His  gloomy  eyes  brightened  suddenly,  as  if  he  saw  some- 
thing which  aroused  him.  I  wheeled  quickly  to  glance  in 
that  direction.  Just  above  the  slab  barrier  guarding  the 
doorway  I  could  perceive  a  hat  and  the  upper  portion  of  a 
human  face,  as  though  their  owner  surveyed  us  cautiously. 
As  my  eyes  fell  upon  it  the  apparition  instantly  vanished, 
sinking  down  behind  the  oaken  screen  with  all  the  alacrity 
of  the  figures  at  a  Punch-and-Judy  show. 


CHAPTER   XXIV 

A  MESSAGE  FROM    MADEMOISELLE 

THERE  was  small  probability  of  my  mistaking  that 
cocked  hat,  or  those  solemnly  furtive  eyes.  It  was 
Monsieur  Quilleriez.  I  sprang  instantly  forward,  past  the 
astonished  Englishman,  eager  as  any  drowning  man  to 
grapple  at  a  straw. 

"  Monsieur,"  I  called  aloud,  not  venturing  to  approach  the 
door  closely.  "  Monsieur  le  Commissaire,  I  would  have 
word  with  you;  there  is  naught  to  fear." 

His  peculiar  peaked  head  arose  once  more,  with  extreme 
caution,  into  full  view,  until  his  eyes  were  enabled  to  peer 
across  the  intervening  slabs  in  uncertain  survey  of  the  scene 
within.  The  expression  upon  my  face  must  have  proven 
sufficiently  reassuring,  for  he  immediately  straightened  up, 
until  I  could  finally  perceive  the  collar  of  his  gray  coat. 

"  I  trust  no  unseemly  reflection  upon  my  courage  was 
intended  by  your  hasty  use  of  that  word  fear,"  he  said  re- 
provingly, eyeing  me  with  an  aggrieved  expression.  "  Mon- 
sieur is  also  a  soldier,  and  will  recall  the  wise  words  of 
La  Savere  regarding  the  necessity  of  discretion,  even  upon 
the  part  of  those  naturally  most  thoughtless  as  to  personal 
peril.  Our  duty  to  the  cause  we  represent  is  always  to  be 
the  first  consideration." 

"  Most  assuredly,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  I  assented,  even 
under  the  circumstances  amused  by  his  pedantic  nonsense  and 
excessive  vanity,  and  realizing  the  necessity  of  humoring 
the  little  fool  if  I  desired  to  retain  his  attention.  "  It  was 
merely  a  thoughtless  slip  of  the  tongue.  Surely  it  could  not 


A  Message  from  Mademoiselle          253 

be  otherwise,  for  I  have  already  beheld  you  facing  real 
danger,  and  that  memory  gives  me  great  respect  for  you 
as  a  valiant  soldier.  Such  a  man  is  ever  merciful  toward  his 
fallen  enemy,  and  I  am  therefore  emboldened  to  seek  coun- 
sel with  you  regarding  my  present  sad  predicament.  You 
are  a  husband,  a  father,  perchance,  Monsieur  Quilleriez  ?  " 

He  passed  the  coarse  gray  sleeve  of  his  coat  across  his 
eyes,  and  his  face  became  more  gravely  solemn  than  before. 

"  A  widower,"  he  responded  softly.  "  A  widower,  Mon- 
sieur, with  five  olive  branches  looking  to  me  for  sustenance." 

"  Is  it  possible,  and  you  so  young !  A  great  responsibility, 
which  must  rest  heavily  upon  you  in  those  moments  when 
you  are  called  upon  to  venture  life  fearlessly  upon  the  field. 
I  marvel  you  bear  yourself  so  well.  Monsieur  Quilleriez, 
I  do  not  appeal  to  you  upon  my  own  behalf,  but  for  others, 
as  helpless  as  are  your  own  children.  You  are  a  father, 
you  tell  me,  and  must  therefore  realize  the  fond  yearnings 
of  a  father's  heart,  even  though  he  be  an  enemy  in  arms. 
Indeed,  that  very  fact  will  doubtless  appeal  to  you  with 
double  force  as  a  brave  and  honorable  soldier.  More,  never 
yet  did  I  meet  any  man  possessing  such  unquestionable  cour- 
age, who  was  devoid  of  the  spirit  of  chivalry,  and  a  desire 
to  protect  the  weaker  sex ;  and  a  Frenchman  is  ever  the  in- 
carnation of  gallantry.  For  this  reason  I  make  bold  to  beg 
your  assistance  in  giving  present  comfort,  and  seeking  the 
early  liberation  of  those  two  poor  girls  now  helpless  in  the 
hands  of  the  Indians.  You,  and  you  alone,  Monsieur  Quil- 
leriez, with  your  personal  influence  over  Pontiac,  are  able 
thus  to  serve  them.  Oh,  I  was  not  blind,  Monsieur,  and  it 
was  very  easy  to  see  last  night  the  confidence  which  that 
chief  reposes  in  you." 

I  could  mark  his  chest  swell  at  my  words,  and  it  seemed 
to  me  he  added  fully  an  inch  to  his  stature,  yet  his  eyes 
contained  a  misty  doubt.  However,  egotism  finally  conquered 
discretion,  and  his  struggle  ended  in  a  boast. 


254  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  That  matter  has  already  been  attended  to,  Monsieur," 
he  asserted  proudly.  "  The  maidens  have  been  especially 
assigned  unto  my  care." 

"  To  your  care  ?    Do  you  mean  under  guard  ?  " 

"  Merely  sufficient  to  keep  them  protected  from  outside 
danger  and  annoyance,"  and  he  shrugged  his  shoulders,  rub- 
bing his  hands  as  though  he  washed  them.  "  There  is  little 
necessity,  Monsieur,  for  exercising  any  great  degree  of  re- 
straint otherwise  —  the  dear  young  creatures  appear  already 
quite  reconciled  to  remaining  under  my  tender  protection. 
We  have,  indeed,  become  warm  friends." 

I  stared  at  him,  his  words  and  manner  so  proudly  confi- 
dent as  to  stagger  me. 

"  You  certainly  must  have  accomplished  wonders  to  have 
thus  won  their  affections  so  rapidly,"  I  exclaimed  at  last. 
"  Pray,  Monsieur,  by  what  mystic  spell  did  you  work  this 
miracle  ?  " 

He  leaned  his  chin  across  the  upper  slab  as  though  about 
to  impart  a  secret,  hemming  and  hawing  with  affected 
modesty. 

"  One  never  exactly  knows,  Monsieur,"  he  consented  to 
say  finally ;  "  but  it  has  ever  been  a  part  of  my  nature  thus 
easily  to  win  the  confiding  heart  of  the  fair  sex.  Probably 
you  may  doubt  my  statement,  judging  from  my  youthful 
appearance,  but  I  have  already  been  three  times  married. 
Not  that  I  ever  greatly  loved  those  who  thus  fondly  clung 
to  me,  but  my  heart  was  always  so  kind  and  considerate  that 
I  found  it  simply  impossible  to  cast  aside  the  affection  with 
which  they  showered  me.  It  is  almost  sad,"  and  he  wiped 
a  tear  from  out  his  solemn,  staring  eye,  "  that  one  must 
thus  continue  to  sacrifice  the  brightest  years  of  young  man- 
hood merely  to  render  others  supremely  happy.  As  it  hap- 
pened none  lived  long,  and  thus  I  was  privileged  to  bring 
joy  to  more  than  one.  For  what  would  you,  Monsieur?  a 
true  soldier  ever  conquers  the  susceptible  heart  of  a  maiden, 


A  Message  from  Mademoiselle          255 

while  his  chivalry  makes  him  merciful  to  her  sufferings. 
Those  English  ladies  are  indeed  most  charming,  delightfully 
social,  and  fair  to  look  upon  —  I  scarcely  know  which  fas- 
cinates me  the  more,  the  one  who  is  so  warm  and  pulsing 
with  young  life,  a  sweet  clinging  flower  of  tropical  loveli- 
ness, or  her  companion,  so  much  more  difficult  of  approach, 
yet  even  possessing  a  greater  attractiveness  in  perfect 
beauty.  Knew  you  either  of  these  divine  creatures  for 
long,  Monsieur?" 

"  Merely  during  a  brief  period,  nor  can  I  boast  that  I 
progressed  so  rapidly  in  winning  their  friendship." 

"  A  gift,  a  most  rare  gift  of  nature,"  he  bowed  as  deeply 
as  the  intervening  barrier  would  permit.  "  It  is  indeed  few 
among  our  sterner  sex  who  can  win  confidence  as  I,  espe- 
cially among  those  of  the  fair  sex.  Eh,  did  I  not  hear  it 
rumored,  Monsieur,  that  one  at  least  of  these  two  bewitch- 
ing beauties  was  heiress  to  great  wealth  in  England  ?  Such 
fact  is  of  small  account,  you  understand,  to  one  of  my  ardent 
spirit  and  independent  disposition,  and  only  the  merest  curi- 
osity prompts  the  inquiry." 

"  I  have  heard  it  mentioned,  yet  never  asked  regarding 
the  particulars." 

"  It  is  to  be  regretted,  for  I  am  not  one  desirous  of 
posing,  even  through  ignorance,  as  a  mere  vulgar  fortune- 
hunter.  No  doubt  the  knowledge,  could  it  be  obtained  in 
time,  would  greatly  influence  my  action,  for,  as  I  have 
already  remarked  quite  frankly,  I  truly  do  not  know  which 
I  admire  the  more,  the  dark  eyes,  or  the  gray." 

"  Your  intentions  are  serious,  then  ?  "  I  asked  somewhat 
harshly,  for  the  presumption  of  the  little  fool  was  not  alto- 
gether laughable.  The  gravest  trouble  might  result  from 
slightest  insult  to  his  vanity. 

"  Why  not,  Monsieur  ?  I  have  received  much  encourage- 
ment, and  my  advancements  are  already  looked  upon  with 
marked  favor.  Who  is  more  irresistible  to  the  fair  sex  of 


25 6  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

any  nation  than  a  Frenchman,  and  a  soldier?  Besides,  I 
know  women;  my  wives  were  each  of  a  different  disposi- 
tion, —  one  even  had  red  hair,  —  yet  all  alike  became  as 
slaves,  living  only  to  retain  my  smile.  What  could  I  not 
accomplish  with  a  maid  whom  I  truly  loved;  one  actually, 
enthroned  upon  the  vacant  altar  of  my  heart?  Think  you 
any  would  hesitate  long  were  the  decision  to  lie  between  me 
and  that  black- faced  officer  of  Monsieur  de  Villiers  ?  " 

I  started  forward,  my  teeth  clinched  in  sudden  anger. 
Monsieur  Quilleriez,  mistaking  my  swift  action,  dropped 
instantly  out  of  sight  behind  his  shield.  Scarcely  had  he 
vanished  when  the  grim  head  and  front  of  the  naked  warrior 
faced  me  with  uplifted  gun. 

"  I  had  no  purpose  of  injuring  you,  Monsieur  le  Commis- 
saire,"  I  explained  loudly,  but  halting  instantly.  "  It  was 
your  word  regarding  the  half-breed  which  angered  me. 
Does  he  force  his  attentions  upon  those  in  your  charge  ?  " 

Exercising  extreme  caution,  his  peaked  hat  crept  up  along- 
side the  nude  chest  of  the  guarding  savage,  his  face  beneath 
creased  with  perplexity. 

"  Sacre !  but  you  are  most  impulsive,"  he  commented 
slowly,  "  truly  a  hot-headed  man  of  war,  who  requires  to 
be  met  with  firmness  and  discretion.  The  half-breed,  you 
ask?  Ay,  he  would  enjoy  that  privilege  well  enough,  and 
nothing  save  a  wholesome  respect  for  me  has  restrained  him 
from  becoming  most  obnoxious  to  those  ladies.  It  is  strange 
some  men  never  discover  when  they  are  not  wanted.  He 
is  of  that  kidney,  as  tough  of  hide  as  an  elephant.  Pardieu! 
the  maids  were  even  compelled  to  make  appeal  unto  me  to 
rid  them  of  his  unwelcome  presence.  You  should  have  seen 
me  in  response,  Monsieur." 

"  No  doubt  it  was  bravely  done,  and  won  for  you  their 
warmest  gratitude." 

"Ay,  he  is  a  bravo,  Monsieur,  a  fire-eater,  but  I  cut  his 
comb;  nor  is  he  likely  to  intrude  again  while  I  remain  on 


A  Message  from  Mademoiselle          257 

guard  over  those  fair  English.  A  true  soldier  does  not 
like  to  boast  over  loudly  about  his  deeds  of  valor,  espe- 
cially when  they  are  performed  in  defence  of  beauty  in  dis- 
tress, but  I  drove  the  fellow  forth  at  the  point  of  my  sword. 
You  should  have  witnessed  the  gratitude  of  the  ladies,  Mon- 
sieur !  —  when  I  returned  there  were  tears  in  those  dark"  eyes, 
while  she,  who  remains  always  so  reserved  and  quiet,  broke 
her  silence  and  complimented  me  most  highly.  In  faith, 
how  loveliness  in  need  appeals  to  us  men-at-arms.  But, 
sacre!  I  have  the  fellow  now  where  he  is  little  likely  to 
trouble  us  again." 

"  How  is  that  ?  Has  he  fallen  from  the  good  graces  of 
Pontiac?" 

"  Oh,  no ;  such  a  happening  is  not  probable,  for  we  all 
hope  much  from  Monsieur  de  Villiers.  But  I  have  those 
ladies  safe  within  the  bulwarks  of  my  own  house,  and  he 
will  think  twice  ere  he  venture  there." 

At  last  I  had  drawn  from  him  the  very  information  I 
had  been  fishing  for  from  the  start  —  the  place  of  their 
confinement. 

"Your  house?  Have  you,  then,  residence  in  this  neigh- 
borhood ?  I  had  supposed,  from  your  method  of  command- 
ing, coupled  with  your  military  bearing,  that  you  might  be 
of  the  regular  service." 

His  face  flushed  with  pleasure,  and  he  honored  me  again 
with  a  low  bow. 

"  Merely  a  volunteer,  Monsieur,  actuated  by  purest  love 
of  country,  together  with  a  liking  for  war.  I  have  been  a 
trader  among  the  savages,  and  have  done  extremely  well, 
being  fortunate  in  other  things  as  well  as  love.  You  should 
see  my  house ;  I  can  assure  you  it  is  not  bad  for  this  wilder- 
ness, and  stands  upon  the  high  bluff  overlooking  the  broad 
river,  just  where  the  creek  yonder  finds  outlet.  It  is  not  a 
home  any  maid  would  be  like  to  sneer  at,  Monsieur,  and  I 
was  not  sorry  to  be  permitted  to  exhibit  it  to  the  eyes  of 


258  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

those  now  with  me.  The  knowledge,  thus  delicately  con- 
veyed, that  I  was  a  man  of  property,  and  not  a  mere  adven- 
turer, had  its  instant  effect  upon  them.  Sacre!  women  are 
ever  the  same,  the  world  over  —  the  musical  clink  of  gold 
awakens  their  interest,  and  that  lover  is  most  welcome  who 
can  promise  comfort  and  social  position.  It  is  already  in 
their  minds,  no  doubt,  that  to  be  mistress  of  such  a  home 
would  not  prove  so  extremely  unpleasant.  Yet  I  have  re- 
strained myself  thus  far  from  open  speech  in  the  matter; 
there  should  be  discretion  in  love,  Monsieur,  as  well  as 
in  war." 

"  Unquestionably ;  and  has  neither  of  the  ladies  made  any 
inquiries  as  to  my  fate?" 

"  She  of  the  darker  eyes  did  —  Rene,  a  most  sweet  name. 
The  other  —  the  divine  Alene  —  remained  silent,  as  is  her 
wont,  although  she  buried  her  face  in  her  hands,  and  even 
appeared  to  sob,  when  I  told  them  Pontiac  would  burn  you 
at  the  stake  so  soon  as  his  warriors  returned." 

"  Are  you  sure  she  wept  ?  " 

"  Not  absolutely  certain,  Monsieur,  for,  as  I  told  you,  she 
hid  her  face  in  her  hands.  Yet  I  think  it  quite  probable; 
women  are  so  easily  affected  by  such  matters.  I  have  a  note 
here  for  you  from  the  other.  I  caused  her  to  write  it  plainly 
in  French,  so  I  could  know  what  message  I  carried." 

He  held  forth  a  scrap  of  paper  as  he  spoke,  and  I  grasped 
it  eagerly,  reading  the  dozen  lines  almost  at  a  single  glance. 
It  was  merely  a  simple,  friendly  note,  noncommittal,  a  bit 
obscure  I  thought,  as  though  the  writer  sought  to  convey 
more  than  she  dared  pen  openly.  It  read: 

"  MONSIEUR:  —  We  are  both  well,  and  safely  guarded  within  the 
house  of  M.  Quilleriez.  Our  room  looks  forth  upon  the  broad  river, 
and  a  great  tree  partially  shades  our  window  from  the  sun.  It  would 
be  very  pretty,  were  it  not  for  those  savages  who  stand  at  each  corner 
to  make  us  realize  we  are  prisoners.  At  night  we  rest  in  the  cellar. 
'It  is  a  most  gloomy  place,  but  we  have  candles  to  drive  away  the  dark, 


A  Message  from  Mademoiselle          259 

and  no  one  bothers  us.  We  are  so  sorry  to  think  of  you,  Monsieur  ; 
my  eyes  are  red  with  weeping,  yet  I  pray  God  there  may  some  mir- 
acle intervene  to  save  you  from  so  terrible  a  fate.  I  can  see  even 
now,  Monsieur,  the  far-away  light  of  a  star  through  the  bank  of 
earth  which  surrounds  us  like  a  grave.  Surely  it  must  be  an  omen, 
pointing  a  possible  way  out.  Be  assured  we  have  not  forgotten 
you.  RENE." 

I  stood  staring  at  the  paper,  striving  vainly  to  interpret 
those  vague  hints  at  guidance  which  I  felt  convinced  the 
poor  girl  thus  strove  to  convey  to  my  mind  —  hints  which 
might  prove  of  the  utmost  value,  if  ever  I  came  free  from 
my  savage  captors.  It  was  then  I  perceived  yet  another  line, 
in  different  handwriting  and  fainter  penmanship,  and  stepped 
closer  to  the  opening  that  I  might  better  decipher  it.  Par- 
dieu!  how  my  heart  throbbed  to  the  first  impulse  of  that 
brief  message. 

"/  have  been  told  of  the  other's  assumption,  and  have 
regained  all  my  faith  in  you." 

1  thrust  the  paper  within  my  belt  —  it  was  her  first,  per- 
haps her  last,  written  word  to  me,  and  sacred  to  my  eyes 
alone  —  then  glanced  from  Monsieur  Quilleriez's  inquisitive 
eyes,  still  peering  at  me  across  the  slab,  as  though  he  stood 
on  tip-toe,  to  the  silent  Englishman,  who  sat  upon  the  bench 
staring  at  the  two  of  us,  in  utter  ignorance  of  what  was 
going  on. 

"  What  is  all  this  beastly  pow-wow  about  ? "  he  asked 
testily.  "  Is  that  an  owl,  or  a  circus  performer  out  yonder  ? 
never  saw  I  before  such  a  dancing  mountebank  with  so 
solemn  a  face.  Saint  Andrew!  he  could  earn  a  fortune  in 
England." 

"  T  is  the  officer  who  has  charge  of  the  commissary  de- 
partment for  Pontiac,"  I  explained,  not  over  graciously,  for 
the  Englishman's  words  had  brought  back  to  me  the  memory 
of  his  claim ;  "  a  man  of  some  importance  in  these  parts. 
The  two  ladies  are  confined  in  his  house,  and  he  brings  me 


260  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

word  that  they  are  well.  They  even  wrote  a  line,  yet  it  is 
in  French,  and  beyond  your  reading."  I  turned  toward  the 
vigilant  Commissary. 

"  You  return  from  here  to  your  home  ?  " 

"  It  is  my  most  delightful  duty,  Monsieur.  Love  and  war 
blended  in  perfect  harmony." 

"  You  will  bear  to  those  ladies  a  return  message  from 
me?" 

"  Gladly,  if  it  be  also  but  a  mere  note  of  kindness,  and 
written  in  the  French  tongue." 

"  I  possess  no  materials  here  for  writing,  so  it  must  be  by 
word  of  mouth.  Tell  them  I  thank  both  for  the  note;  that 
it  has  greatly  encouraged  me;  that  while  life  remains  there 
is  ever  hope ;  that  I  even  believe  I  can  see  the  star,  although 
it  may  prove  to  be  only  a  candle.  Do  you  catch  my  words, 
Monsieur  ?  " 

He  nodded  gravely,  and  for  a  moment  I  stood  looking  at 
him,  wondering  how  far  I  might  venture  to  trust  his  stu- 
pidity in  this  message-bearing. 

"  Know  you  anything  of  late  regarding  the  soldier  who 
accompanied  me  hither  ?  " 

The  fellow  crossed  himself  piously,  and  glanced  back  un- 
easily over  his  shoulder,  as  though  an  unpleasant  memory 
had  just  recurred  to  him.  Then  he  suggestively  tapped  his 
peaked  head. 

"  Clear  gone,"  he  asserted  solemnly.  "  The  medicine-men 
drove  him  out  of  the  council-lodge  into  the  woods,  and,  may 
the  devil  take  him,  but  I  heard  the  fellow  singing  not  an 
hour  ago  as  I  came  along  the  trail.  Sacre!  but  he  must 
have  had  a  weak  head,  for  't  was  not  likely  Pontiac  would 
ever  have  burned  him  along  with  you." 

"  And  how  is  it  with  the  Englishman  here  ?  " 

"  Pardieu !  "  carelessly.  "  'T  is  like  enough  the  same,  al- 
though I  know  nothing  regarding  the  matter ;  't  is  none  of 
my  affair.  But,"  and  his  eyes  gleamed  maliciously,  "  it  will 


A  Message  from  Mademoiselle  261 

give  me  much  pleasure  to  be  present  at  your  turn,  Monsieur. 
Sacre!  those  who  lay  violent  hand  on  6tienne  Quilleriez  are 
most  apt  to  pay  for  it." 

It  was  as  if  a  spiteful,  venomous  little  cat  had  spit  at  me, 
so  sudden  was  the  change  in  his  words  and  manner. 

"  Not  that  I  bear  any  malice,"  he  went  on  tauntingly. 
"  Oh,  no,  Monsieur ;  I  am  a  soldier,  and  not  a  savage.  Yet, 
faith,  't  is  not  in  my  heart  to  cry  over  much  because  you  will 
feel  bad.  I  have  heard  them  tell  of  what  awaits  you,  and 
although  I  have  never  yet  stood  beside  the  stake  in  any 
such  scene  —  for  I  possess  a  most  sympathetic  nature,  Mon- 
sieur—  yet  I  shall  be  there  to  laugh  at  you  —  to  laugh  at 
you."  He  bowed  mockingly,  his  cocked  hat  in  hand,  his 
mouth  screwed  up  into  a  sardonic  smile.  "  And  now  I  must 
return  direct  to  the  fair  ladies,  Monsieur,  for  they  will  have 
wondered  greatly  at  my  prolonged  absence;  they  miss  me 
so  much  when  I  am  away !  Oh,  yes,  I  will  bear  them  the 
words  of  your  message.  Why  not  ?  'T  is  likely  the  last, 
and  even  an  enemy  should  show  that  much  mercy  to  one 
facing  death.  An  revoir,  Monsieur;  you  do  not  look  very 
pleasant  now,  but  you  will  look  even  less  so  when  we  meet 
again." 

The  ugly  little  wretch,  conceited,  cowardly,  cruel,  who  had 
hidden  so  perfectly  his  real  vindictiveness  beneath  a  mask  of 
cunning  civility,  disappeared  as  though  he  had  dropped  sud- 
denly into  some  cavity  of  the  earth,  the  last  memory  left 
me  being  the  sneer  of  triumph  on  his  evil  face.  A  moment 
I  stared  after  him,  impotent  to  resent  his  words,  yet  with 
both  hands  clinched  in  anger.  Then  I  turned  slowly,  and 
rejoined  the  wondering  lieutenant  upon  the  bench. 


CHAPTER  XXV 

THE  LAST   HOPE  FAILS   US 

I  SAT  there  a  long  time,  my  head  buried  in  my  hands, 
thinking.  Challoner  did  not  disturb  me,  and  for  a  while 
at  least,  so  lost  was  I  in  reflection,  I  utterly  forgot  his  pres- 
ence. That  single  line  expressing  renewed  confidence  from 
Mademoiselle  heartened  me  greatly,  yet  it  could  never  mean 
quite  so  much  now  as  before  this  Englishman  had  announced 
their  betrothal.  Yet  why  should  it  not?  Why  should  any- 
thing, excepting  her  utmost  happiness  in  life,  influence  my 
feeling  toward  her?  I  had  loved  her  almost  from  the  hour  • 
of  our  earliest  meeting,  although  the  expectation  of  ever 
making  her  my  bride  had  never  truly  been  an  incentive. 
From  that  moment  when  Monsieur  de  Villiers  first  told  me 
who  this  fair  English  maid  was,  I  had  realized  the  existence 
between  us  of  an  impassable  barrier,  not  merely  of  pride, 
but  of  wealth  and  social  position.  I  might,  indeed,  amid  this 
informal  intimacy  of  wilderness  travel,  win  her  respect,  pos- 
sibly even  awaken  her  love;  yet,  although  I  should  know 
her  heart  to  be  in  my  keeping,  I  could  never  honorably  ask 
for  more.  It  was  not  so  much  her  pride  as  my  own  that 
intervened.  How  could  I,  a  mere  soldier  of  fortune,  pos- 
sessing nothing  more  valuable  than  a  sword,  with  a  military 
title  wrung  reluctantly  from  the  Governor  of  the  Illinois 
province  as  reward  for  dangerous  service,  ever  presume  to 
ask  so  vast  a  condescension  from  this  wealthy  gentlewoman  ? 
It  was  not  even  to  be  considered  in  dreams.  With  this  long 
ago  settled  in  my  own  mind,  the  final  yielding  up  of  her 
to  another  should  not  have  proven  so  hard.  It  was  clearly 


The  Last  Hope  Fails  Us  263 

my  duty;  beyond  doubt  ought  to  be  my  pleasure.  Yet  it 
was  not.  Even  there,  where  I  rested  in  face  of  death, 
scarcely  perceiving  the  faintest  hope  of  averting  my  fate, 
I  remained  human  enough,  weak  enough  in  my  humanity, 
to  war  bitterly  against  such  unjust  decree ;  ay,  to  feel  per- 
sonal animosity  stir  my  brain  against  that  man  who  stood 
between  us  unconscious  of  my  aspirations. 

I  glanced  aside  at  him,  noting  the  firm  chin,  the  frank, 
resolute,  manly  face,  the  soldierly  bearing,  the  puzzled  look 
in  the  clear  gray  eyes.  He  must  have  accepted  my  glance 
as  an  invitation  to  speak,  for  it  instantly  unlocked  his  lips. 

"  Come,  De  Coubert,"  he  said  in  tone  of  easy  comradeship, 
"  we  are  both  of  us  in  a  sufficiently  bad  box  without  any 
mystery  to  make  the  fog  deeper.  Your  interview  with  that 
mountebank  has  not  left  you  any  happier  —  that 's  certain  — 
and  although  I  could  understand  hardly  a  word  of  his  lingo, 
I  think  he  must  have  talked  pretty  mean  toward  the  last. 
Give  me  the  story  of  it,  and  let  us  think  it  out  together." 

It  was  what  I  ought  to  do,  there  was  no  doubt  about 
that.  My  fate  at  the  hands  of  those  savages  was  more  com- 
pletely settled  than  his  —  I  had  been  definitely  condemned  to 
die,  the  very  hour  of  torture  set,  while  his  life  might  possi- 
bly be  preserved.  This  being  true,  his  chances  for  assisting 
those  two  captive  girls  were  far  brighter  than  mine,  and  it 
was  therefore  only  right  he  should  be  given  every  scrap  of 
information  which  had  come  into  my  possession.  Beyond' 
doubt,  had  they  known  of  his  presence,  he,  and  not  I,  would 
have  been  the  recipient  of  their  message.  I  drew  the  note 
forth  from  my  belt  and  unfolded  it. 

"  You  do  not  read  French,  Monsieur  ?  " 

He  shook  his  head  negatively. 

"  Have  you  ever  seen  this  handwriting  before  ?  "  I  held 
the  paper  toward  him,  folded  so  as  to  hide  the  signature, 
feeling  a  faint  hope  stir  me  that  there  might  be  some  mis- 
take, some  confusion  of  identity.  He  bent  above  it  eagerly. 


264  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Ay,  as  well  as  my  own,"  he  exclaimed  earnestly.  "  It 
is  Rene's  own  hand ;  Alene  possesses  more  decision  in  pen- 
manship. Both  are  familiar  to  me." 

"  Then  I  will  translate  it  for  you  into  English,  Monsieur. 
I  ask  that  you  follow  my  reading  closely,  and  tell  me  if  you 
extract  from  it  any  secret  message  of  guidance." 

He  listened  with  knit  brows  as  I  slowly  and  carefully 
made  the  translation,  striving  to  render  into  English  equiva- 
lent the  exact  words  of  the  French  original.  I  did  not  read 
the  private  message  of  Mademoiselle,  but  paused  after  reach- 
ing the  first  signature.  His  eyes  were  upon  me,  but  they 
contained  no  flash  of  intelligence. 

"  'T  is  little  more  than  good  wishes,"  he  said  impatiently, 
as  I  waited  for  him  to  speak.  "  A  mere  note  of  politeness, 
such  as  anyone  might  write  at  such  a  time,  and  in  such  a 
place.  What  else  did  you  think  might  be  hidden  there  ?  " 

"  A  clew  to  some  possible  method  of  rescue,"  I  answered, 
lowering  my  voice  in  caution.  "  The  girl  durst  not  write 
openly,  for  she  knew  the  Commissary  would  read  her  note 
before  he  delivered  it.  So  she  hinted,  in  vague  hope  I 
might  understand.  It  is  very  strange  you  remain  so  dull, 
Monsieur,  you  who  claim  to  know  this  Rene  so  well.  To 
me  she  has  ever  been  most  straightforward  in  speech.  Think 
you  this  letter  is  written  in  that  style?" 

"It  rambles  somewhat." 

"  Ay,  and  for  a  special  purpose,  Monsieur,"  I  exclaimed, 
interrupting  him.  "  She  confuses  fact  and  sentiment  in  such 
a  rare  jumble  of  words  as  to  lead  the  mind  astray,  and  leave 
it  with  an  impression  of  mere  girlish  innocence.  But  in 
truth  it  is  art,  Monsieur,  for  she  manages  thus  to  convey 
all  we  need  to  know  regarding  their  surroundings,  and  of 
how  best  to  reach  them." 

"  'T  is  dark  enough  to  me." 

"  Well,  you  have  missed  the  right  key,  then.  Sacre !  but 
there  is  surely  a  difference  in  you  English.  Listen  now, 


The  Last  Hope  Fails  Us  265 

Monsieur,  while  I  unlock  this  '  mere  note  of  politeness,' 
and  extract  its  kernel.  It  may  prove  to  be  you,  and  not 
I,  who  will  have  opportunity  to  make  use  of  the  informa- 
tion thus  sent.  She  tells  where  they  are  confined  during 
the  daytime,  within  a  room  in  Monsieur  Quilleriez's  house, 
which  fronts  upon  the  river,  having  a  big  tree  just  in 
front  of  it.  She  explains  exactly  where  the  Indian  guards 
are  stationed,  so  they  may  be  avoided;  she  shows  where 
the  two  are  locked  away  at  night  for  greater  safety,  tells  us 
they  are  alone  there,  and  possess  candles  to  give  light.  And 
see  you  nothing,  either,  hidden  snugly  away  in  that  last 
paragraph,  Monsieur  ?  " 

He  shook  his  head  gravely,  yet  with  a  face  full  of  increas- 
ing interest. 

"  Faith,  but  you  must  possess  a  hard  head !  'T  is  small 
wonder  your  nation  fails  so  before  Indian  strategy  when 
you  read  signs  in  such  wooden  fashion.  It  means  that  in 
some  way  they  have  succeeded  in  pushing  a  narrow  passage 
through  the  dirt  wall  of  the  cellar;  that  any  rescuer  who 
seeks  its  guidance  may  thus  discover  the  light  of  their  candle, 
and  know  that  to  be  the  easiest  way  in  to  where  they  are. 
At  least  't  is  so  I  read  it,  and  it  seems  as  plain  as  print." 

He  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  paced  the  floor  restlessly,  his 
brows  knit  in  thought. 

"  Yes,"  he  exclaimed  at  last,  impulsively,  "  no  doubt  it 
is  as  you  say.  'T  is  like  her  tricks,  the  kitten ;  yet  I  venture 
i  it  was  Alene  who  first  gave  her  the  words  and  fashioned  them 
into  such  innocent  appearance.  She  has  a  quick  wit,  al- 
though her  lips  say  little.  'T  is  not  always  the  way,  Mon- 
sieur, or  I  should  be  a  prodigy." 

We  talked  it  over  and  over  together,  pacing  the  little  room 
while  we  conversed.  It  was  all  useless  enough,  for  there  was 
nothing  we  might  rest  our  hopes  upon,  yet  it  accomplished 
this  much,  that  it  left  each  with  clearer  conception  of  that 
country  lying  without,  and  the  probable  situation  of  this 


266  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

house  of  Monsieur  Quilleriez.  I  had  not  been  unobservant 
while  upon  the  trail,  and  Challoner,  who  had  joined  the 
Detroit  garrison  just  previous  to  the  outbreak,  possessed  fair 
knowledge  of  the  surrounding  regions.  Upon  one  thing 
we  both  agreed,  the  uselessness  of  making  any  attempt, 
either  at  our  own  escape,  or  the  assistance  of  those  others, 
until  night  should  come  to  partially  shroud  our  movements. 
Constantly,  even  while  we  thus  conversed  in  apparent  privacy, 
we  were  reminded  of  that  vigilant  savage  guard  without. 

Food  was  brought  us  late  in  the  afternoon,  and  after  much 
persuasion  I  induced  the  sullen  old  chief,  who  was  apparently 
exercising  command,  to  yield  me  speech  with  one  of  the 
Canadians.  Through  his  influence  I  secured  water,  and 
cleansed  my  face  and  hands,  the  Englishman  watching  the 
transformation  with  interest.  Then  we  sat  down  in  dull 
listlessness  to  await  the  coming  of  the  night  shadows,  un- 
certain what  fate  its  deepening  gloom  might  bring  us.  If  we 
spoke  during  those  final  hours,  I  retain  now  no  memory  of 
it.  I  know  my  own  thoughts  wandered  sadly,  and  often- 
times I  was  totally  unconscious  of  other  presence  near  at 
hand.  I  realized  I  was  facing  my  end,  and  that  it  was  des- 
tined to  be  a  terrible  one,  yet  I  did  not  cravenly  shrink  from 
it  in  any  physical  dread.  I  still  retained  within  me  the 
fierce  instincts  of  battle,  and  my  every  nerve  was  on  edge 
ready  to  grasp  at  the  slightest  desperate  opportunity  for 
escape.  I  knew  I  could  hope  for  little,  that  every  safeguard 
of  inventive  savage  cruelty  would  surround  me;  no  step 
might  be  taken,  no  movement  made,  that  would  escape  pry- 
ing Indian  eyes.  Under  other  mental  conditions  I  might 
have  resigned  myself  to  approaching  doom  with  all  that  fatal- 
istic indifference  which  seems  born  of  the  brooding  woods, 
those  solemn  wastes  of  the  wilderness.  Life  amid  dark 
forests  and  among  rough  men  develops  soon  a  savage 
stolidity  to  pain,  that  silent  fortitude  so  characteristic  of  the 
Indian.  Environment  inevitably  stamps  itself  upon  body  and 


The  Last  Hope  Fails  Us  267 

soul  alike,  and  the  animal  becomes  callous  to  those  things 
from  which  civilization  shrinks  back  in  cringing  terror. 
Death  was  only  death,  the  pain  accompanying  it  merely  an 
incident,  to  be  met  sternly,  with  clinched  teeth  and  dry 
eyes. 

No,  it  was  not  thought  of  coming  torture  that  overwhelmed 
me,  that  set  my  hot  blood  rioting  through  the  veins,  and  my 
brain  throbbing  with  visions  of  desperate  rescue  —  it  was 
Mademoiselle  Alene.  Bon  Dieu!  how  her  fair  face  haunted 
me!  There  was  no  driving  it  away  from  memory.  And 
it  ever  smiled  upon  me,  as  though  in  bewitching  mockery  of 
welcome,  her  clear  eyes  bearing  within  their  gray  depths  so 
sweet  a  message  as  to  leave  me  reckless  regarding  all  else. 
Merely  to  witness  but  once,  in  very  truth,  such  story  there 
revealed,  would  let  me  die  as  the  fanatics  of  the  East  drift 
out  to  paradise.  Nor  could  I  cast  the  spell  aside ;  the  haunt- 
ing thought  that  she  yet  trusted  me  to  save  her,  to  pluck  her 
uninjured  from  out  the  grasp  of  those  fiends,  was  ever 
burning  in  my  brain.  It  was  enough  to  craze  one,  to  sit  there 
helpless,  thus  constantly  realizing  how  love  called  hopelessly 
for  sacrifice.  It  became  a  test  harder  to  bear  than  any  fiery 
torture  of  the  stake,  and  I  bowed  my  head  lower  in  that  heat 
of  trial,  that  the  Englishman  might  not  read  the  anguish 
in  my  face.  Pardieu!  'tis  not  always  so  easy  in  this  world 
to  play  the  man. 

The  sun  must  have  sunk  quite  low  in  the  west,  when  the 
intense  strain  of  our  waiting  ended,  and  the  final  summons 
came.  The  room  was  already  deeply  buried  in  shadow, 
while  without  the  dull  gray  of  early  twilight  obscured  the 
distant  sky.  The  same  sullen  chief  with  whom  I  had  before 
attempted  vainly  to  speak  appeared  suddenly  at  the  open- 
ing above  the  slabs,  and,  with  suggestive  sweep  of  his  arm, 
motioned  me  to  approach.  As  I  hesitated,  not  certain  as  to 
what  his  gesture  meant,  the  Canadian  interpreter  arose 
beside  him. 


268  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Come  out,"  he  commanded  sternly ;  "  I  mean  you  fel- 
low there  in  the  dress  of  the  woods." 

It  had  come ;  I  read  instantly  the  meaning  of  this  boorish 
summons  in  those  grim  faces  fronting  me,  in  the  tones  of 
their  harsh  voices.  I  turned  toward  Challoner  and  held  out 
my  hand.  As  in  a  vise  he  clasped  it,  while  our  eyes  met  in 
one  long,  last,  searching  look. 

"  It  is  you  who  will  have  to  accomplish  it,  if  it  be  done 
at  all,"  I  said,  knowing  he  would  not  doubt  my  meaning. 
"  I  will  make  a  fight,  and  take  all  those  fellows  with  me  that 
I  can.  Good-bye." 

"  Good-bye,"  he  echoed,  choking  over  the  brief  word,  his 
face  evidencing  the  depth  of  his  feeling.  "  I  shall  do  my 
best,  De  Coubert,  and  I  will  tell  them  it  was  your  last 
thought." 

I  turned  away  from  him  quickly,  fearful  lest  he  might  read 
some  shrinking  weakness  in  my  eyes,  and  walked  to  where 
the  savages  waited  in  restless  expectancy.  The  next  mo- 
ment I  was  outside  the  cabin,  within  the  grasp  of  a  dozen 
stalwart  warriors,  who  buffeted  me  fiercely  back  and  forth  in 
keen  delight  at  my  confusion,  filling  the  creeping  shadows 
of  the  forest  with  cries  and  shrieks  of  laughter.  Some  among 
them  bound  my  arms  tightly  behind  my  back  with  rope  of 
twisted  grass,  retaining  the  longer  end  in  their  own  hands 
to  control  my  movements,  while  others  prodded  me  about  the 
body  with  their  sticks,  and  one  red  brute  spat  in  my  face, 
and  then,  when  I  taunted  him  as  a  skulking  coward,  struck 
me  sharply  across  the  cheek  with  the  haft  of  his  knife,  the 
spurting  blood  coloring  the  whole  side  of  my  face  crimson. 
I  clinched  my  teeth  to  the  hurt  of  it,  remembering  grimly 
that  the  departure  of  my  guard  would  afford  greater  oppor- 
tunity for  the  escape  of  the  Englishman,  the  rescue  of  Made- 
moiselle. Perhaps,  under  God,  what  I  might  be  compelled 
to  pass  through  would,  after  all,  prove  her  salvation.  The 
thought  was  sweet.  Inspired  by  it  I  lashed  out  savagely  with 


The  Last  Hope  Fails  Us  269 

my  free  limbs,  landing  once  on  those  bare  shanks  before  me, 
hopeful  thus  to  frighten  them  into  giving  me  a  larger  guard. 
The  next  instant  I  was  upon  my  back  on  the  trampled  earth, 
pommelled  almost  into  unconsciousness,  and  bleeding  in  a 
dozen  places  where  the  sharp  sticks  had  punctured  my  flesh. 
Their  fierce  blows,  coupled  with  the  ferocity  of  their  faces, 
made  me  imagine  for  a  moment  the  savages  meant  murder, 
then  and  there.  But  a  sudden  commanding  shout  ended- the 
onslaught,  and  I  was  jerked  once  again  to  my  feet,  and 
kicked  viciously  until  I  stood  alone. 

Dazed  as  I  was  from  the  effect  of  such  rough  treatment,  I 
marked  the  eyes  of  the  old  chief  glowering  angrily  at  me 
from  behind  those  others,  the  Canadian  ever  at  his  elbow. 
With  a  scowl,  accompanied  by  a  gruff  exclamation  sound- 
ing like  a  curse,  he  turned  abruptly  away,  and  strode  back 
toward  the  hut,  the  door  of  which  had  been  deserted  except 
for  the  rifle-armed  savage  guarding  it.  For  an  instant  I  ex- 
perienced uncertainty  as  to  what  was  occurring,  for  my  head 
swam,  and  there  floated  a  mist  before  my  eyes.  Then  I 
beheld  the  Canadian  leaning  across  the  slab  barrier,  and 
distinguished  the  sound  of  his  gruff  voice. 

"  Come  on  out  here,  you  red-coat,"  he  exclaimed  brutally. 
"  You  're  in  for  a  taste  of  the  same  fun." 

My  heart  sank  within  me,  my  limbs  shook  so  I  could  barely 
stand,  while  drops  of  icy  sweat  started  forth  upon  my  fore- 
head. Mon  Dieu !  what  hope  now  ?  I  had  been  ready  enough 
to  die  before,  if  only  the  Englishman  might  live  and  accom- 
plish that  work  which  waited,  but  now  —  I  looked  about 
me  like  some  trapped  animal  in  reckless  desire  to  go  down 
fighting.  A  warrior  read  it  within  my  eyes,  and  struck  me, 
causing  me  to  reel  helplessly  backward  against  the  support 
of  a  tree.  Like  a  dumb  dog  under  the  lash,  I  gripped  my 
teeth  and  waited,  staring  half  crazed  at  the  scene,  as  they 
dragged  the  Englishman  forth,  and  set  upon  him  with  snarls 
and  blows.  There  was  a  struggle  as  he  shook  them  furiously 


27°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

off,  a  dull  thud,  thud,  thud,  as  his  clinched  fists  encoun- 
tered their  red  faces,  a  rising  and  falling  of  bodies  in  fierce 
melee,  and  then  they  had  him  upon  his  back,  battling  still, 
his  eyes  stubborn  and  threatening,  yet  as  helpless  as  a  child. 
S acre  I  it  hurt  me  worse  to  see  the  way  they  pommelled  him, 
than  did  the  smart  of  my  own  wounds;  but  they  got  him 
upon  his  feet  at  last,  his  face  a  mass  of  bruises,  his  clothing 
in  rags,  and  we  stood  there  fronting  each  other,  our  arms 
bound,  with  those  red,  malicious  faces  jeering  at  us. 

There  was  nothing  to  say,  nor  do  I  believe  he  could  have 
spoken  from  rage.  Yet  I  read  in  his  eyes  the  unutterable 
horror  of  despair,  and  my  own  heart  rose  into  my  throat 
and  choked  me.  It  was  thus  the  demons  drove  us  side  by 
side  out  into  the  dim  woods,  prodding  us  to  make  us  walk 
the  faster,  while  ever  before  me,  amid  those  haunting 
shadows,  were  the  pleading  eyes  of  Mademoiselle  Alene. 


CHAPTER   XXVI 

"  A    LIVING    DOG    IS    BETTER    THAN    A    DEAD    LION  " 

WE  were  forced  most  brutally  along  that  dim  trail,  as 
though  our  captors  were  either  eager  to  be  rid  of  us, 
or  anxious  to  wreak  upon  us  even  greater  cruelty.  Fortu- 
nately some  light  remained,  so  that  we  escaped  stumbling 
across  the  numerous  obstacles  strewing  the  path,  and  after 
the  first  few  hundred  yards  this  extreme  violence  of  our  per- 
secutors relaxed  somewhat,  although  any  marked  lagging 
upon  our  part  brought  swift  punishment.  Dazed  and  heart- 
sick as  I  was,  I  yet  took  notice  of  all  occurring  about  me,  the 
desperate  purpose  of  making  still  another  struggle  for  free- 
dom awakening  faint  and  uncertain  within  my  mind.  There 
were  a  dozen  savages  in  the  party,  including  that  grim  old 
chief  who  led  the  way,  a  perfect  statue  of  bronze,  his  sullen, 
wicked  face  rendered  even  more  malicious  by  the  glitter 
of  eyes  yet  filled  with  anger.  Close  at  his  shoulder,  although 
a  foot  or  two  to  the  rear,  tramped  the  Canadian,  a  tall,  raw- 
boned  fellow,  with  long,  straggling,  black  moustache,  his 
coarse  hair  falling  below  the  collar  of  his  gray  coat.  He  had 
not  formed  one  of  Monsieur  Quilleriez's  little  company,  nor 
had  I  any  recollection  of  his  face,  which  was  deeply  indented 
with  lines  of  cruel  cunning.  There  was  only  a  single  gun  in 
the  party,  that  being  in  the  hands  of  the  savage  who  had  stood 
guard  over  us  at  the  cabin  door.  The  others  bore  sharpened 
sticks,  although  my  eyes  caught  the  sheen  of  steel,  where 
knife  and  tomahawk  hung  suspended  at  their  belts.  One 
dog,  a  huge,  mongrel,  surly  brute,  eyeing  me  ever  with 
hungry,  bloodshot  eyes,  skulked  alongside,  growling  savagely 
whenever  a  blow  was  struck  in  anger.  Once  he  snapped 


272  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

at  me  viciously,  to  the  amusement  of  those  fiends,  but  I  sent 
him  yelping  backward  with  a  kick  that  inspired  him  with 
caution,  although  many  a  sharp  stick  gave  punishment  for 
the  action. 

We  followed  that  same  trail  which  led  along  the  north 
bank  of  the  stream  —  a  crooked,  narrow  path,  heavily  bor- 
dered by  underbrush.  I  supposed  we  must  be  heading 
toward  the  Ottawa  village;  but  just  previous  to  reaching 
there,  and  when  I  could  already  see  the  light  of  a  fire  glaring 
red  between  distant  tree-trunks,  the  old  chief  uttered  some 
growling  command,  and  we  turned  sharply  toward  the  right, 
splashed  through  the  running  water,  and  climbed  the  steep, 
wooded  bank  beyond.  We  were  upon  a  broader  trail  now, 
the  same  along  which  our  little  party  had  ridden  the  evening 
previous,  seeking  conference  with  Pontiac.  The  walking 
became  easier,  for  the  trail  itself  was  free  from  trees,  al- 
though dense  woods  stood  black  and  solemn  upon  either 
hand.  Slowly,  as  the  exercise  heated  my  blood,  there  came 
back  to  me  that  indomitable  hope  which  was  my  birthright. 
I  began  once  more  to  think,  plan,  determine  how  best  yet 
to  outwit  these  copper  devils.  Ay,  how?  What  was  their 
purpose  ?  Where  were  they  taking  us  ?  In  spite  of  the  fact 
that  they  had  not  blackened  our  faces  as  positive  symbol  of 
inevitable  doom,  I  felt  no  doubt  regarding  their  ultimate 
intentions  —  every  indignity  spoke  clearly  of  the  coming 
torture.  But  if  so,  why  were  we  hurried  thus  beyond  the 
confines  of  the  Ottawa  encampment,  which,  judging  from  the 
silence  surrounding  it,  lay  behind  us  deserted  ?  Where  were 
those  vengeful  warriors  gathered,  waiting  to  dance  in  fiend- 
ish delight  about  their  victims?  Where  were  the  shrill- 
voiced  squaws,  those  hideous  hags  ever  ready  to  exercise 
their  diabolical  ingenuity  in  new  forms  of  cruelty  ? 

I  twisted  my  head  around  to  glance  at  the  Englishman, 
who  was  plodding  along  silently  at  my  side,  his  face  yet  hard 
set  from  memory  of  blows. 


A  Living  Dog  is  Better  than  a  Dead  Lion    273 

"  Are  we  not  upon  the  direct  trail  leading  to  Detroit  ?  "  I 
questioned. 

He  turned  his  eyes  upon  me,  and  they  were  clear  as  if  hope 
was  not  altogether  dead  within. 

"  Ay,  't  is  the  old  military  road ;  perhaps  the  savages 
mean  to  turn  us  over  to  the  garrison  in  exchange  for  Indian 
prisoners." 

I  shook  my  head,  too  old  a  hand  along  the  frontier  to  be 
buoyed  up  by  any  such  false  suggestion  of  release. 

"  This  composes  no  peace  party,  Monsieur,"  I  returned, 
believing  he  should  know  the  worst  and  be  prepared  to  meet 
it,  "  as  evidenced  by  their  faces  and  blows.  It  is  my  belief 
they  mean  to  torture  us  within  full  view  of  the  English 
stockade,  hoping  thus  to  strike  terror  into  the  hearts  of  the 
besieged.  It  is  a  common  Indian  custom." 

I  saw  his  head  droop,  as  though  he  would  thus  conceal 
from  me  the  expression  which  swept  into  his  eyes,  but  he 
said  nothing  that  I  could  hear,  although  his  lips  moved. 

It  was  dark  enough  by  now  under  the  shadow  of  those 
woods  along  either  side,  but  a  beam  of  clear  light  from  the 
western  sky  swept  along  the  open  trail.  Far  away  toward 
the  north-east  I  heard  the  sound  of  guns,  and  once  imagined 
the  shrill  cry  of  distant  voices.  Then  suddenly,  just  in  ad- 
vance of  us,  someone  began  singing ;  the  strange,  wild  notes 
came  forth  from  the  heart  of  that  black  night  with  so  weird 
a  power  as  to  be  startling.  Even  the  grim  old  chief  stopped 
and  stared,  while  upon  every  dusky  face  about  us  appeared  a 
look  of  frightened  interest.  Bon  Dieu!  it  was  not  altogether 
to  be  wondered  at,  for  never  heard  I  a  more  dismal,  madden- 
ing chant,  a  wild  and  frenzied  despair  seeming  to  pervade 
each  note,  the  whole  rendered  more  awesome  by  the  invisi- 
bility of  the  singer,  the  dread  silence  of  the  surrounding  dark 
woods.  It  sounded  so  uncanny,  so  ghoulish,  as  fairly  to  make 
my  flesh  creep,  a  voice  breathing  in  its  every  quaver  the 
thought  of  insanity,  or  some  deviltry  unknown  and  inhuman 

18 


274  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

in  its  grotesque  variations.  How  it  rang  forth  in  unearthly 
cadence,  reaching  our  strained  ears  through  that  dense  forest 
growth  on  either  hand,  the  infernal  clangor  striking  us  like 
discordant  bells  hammered  upon  by  some  demon  hand!  It 
did  not  sound  like  any  living  voice,  but  rather  as  if  the 
dead  sang  in  horrid  discord,  mocking  us  with  wild  and 
meaningless  tumult  of  sound. 

I  was  one  trained  through  long  military  discipline,  and 
having  within  me  a  strain  of  stern  Huguenot  blood  not  likely 
to  give  way  before  supernatural  fancies,  yet  there  was  a 
weirdness  in  this  ghostly  chanting  down  those  haunted 
forest  aisles  that  shook  my  manhood.  I  stood  rooted  to  the 
spot,  staring  fixedly  toward  whence  that  gruesome  sound 
arose,  not  truly  frightened  at  it,  yet  with  every  nerve  ting- 
ling as  if  from  physical  pain.  Not  so  the  guard.  With  eyes 
wide  from  terror  they  gave  back  swiftly  into  the  shadows, 
dragging  us  after  them,  while  their  sharp  cries  evidenced 
the  dread  with  which  they  awaited  the  apparition.  Nerve- 
less and  cowering,  they  whined  like  curs,  their  faces  drawn 
and  gray  in  the  dim  light,  as  though  they  beheld  a  spectre 
in  each  spot  of  deeper  gloom.  I  marked  the  dog  slink 
past  me,  his  tail  drooping  between  his  legs,  his  eyes  rolled 
backward  in  dread;  the  foul-mouthed  Canadian  was  upon 
his  knees,  his  fingers  fumbling  at  a  rosary;  and  then  I  saw 
the  thing,  coming  down  directly  toward  us  along  that  dim 
streak  of  fading  light,  appearing  odd  and  distorted,  scarcely 
human,  as  shadow  and  reality  merged  into  confusing  mirage. 

Yet  even  with  that  first  confused  glimpse  I  recognized  our 
visitant,  and  drew  free  breath  again.  It  was  the  Irishman, 
his  clothing  fluttering  about  him  in  shapeless  rags,  his  eyes 
fixed  and  staring  like  those  of  the  dead,  his  face  whitened  to 
a  ghostly  hue,  his  parted  lips  giving  endless  volume  to  that 
awesome  croon,  no  doubt  some  ancient  war-chant  of  his  peo- 
ple. Straight  along  that  narrow  open  trail  he  came,  swaying 
back  and  forth  in  some  strange,  fantastic  measure,  as  though 


A  Living  Dog  is  Better  than  a  Dead  Lion    275 

he  danced  to  the  strains  of  that  mad  tune,  his  head  wagging 
from  side  to  side  as  I  have  seen  those  of  captive  bears, 
his  eyes  staring  vacantly  before  him.  Sacre!  I  know  not 
why,  yet  even  I  shrank  back  from  his  touch,  as  though  it 
were  unclean,  and  gazed  upon  him  speechless,  smitten  with 
strange,  paralyzing  dread,  careless  at  that  moment  that  thos? 
who  guarded  me  were  prostrated  with  terror. 

He  passed  within  a  foot  of  me,  seeming  in  that  odd,  spec- 
tral glow  of  the  sky  an  incarnate  devil ;  yet  as  I  gazed  upon 
him,  old  forgotten  superstitions  seething  unchecked  through 
my  bewildered  brain,  he  winked  solemnly  back  into  my  face, 
a  sudden  gleam  of  merriment  twinkling  in  the  blue  eye.  I 
stared  after  him,  angry,  incredulous,  stifling  between  clinched 
teeth  those  bitter  curses  I  longed  to  hurl  upon  him  for  such 
cowardly  masquerade.  Even  as  I  struggled  with  it,  Chal- 
loner  drew  a  deep  sigh  of  relief. 

"  The  poor  crazy  fool,"  he  muttered.  "  Never  before  saw 
I  such  evidence  of  suffering  in  human  form.  Think  you 
't  is  result  of  savage  torture  ?  " 

"  Torture  ?  No,  the  fellow  has  n't  even  been  touched," 
I  replied,  the  disgust  I  felt  plainly  exhibited  in  my  voice. 
"  He  is  that  Irish  soldier  who  came  with  me  from  Chartres, 
and  plays  the  fool  that  he  may  save  his  skin.  Sacre!  that 
lad  is  having  the  time  of  his  life.  Saw  you  how  he  even 
dared  to  wink  at  me  ?  " 

The  Lieutenant  shook  his  head,  and  I  saw  a  look  of 
unbelief  in  his  eyes. 

"  Saint  Andrew !  but  that  was  no  acting,"  he  insisted 
soberly.  "  Yet,  faith,  it  might  have  yielded  us  ample  oppor- 
tunity for  escape,  had  we  only  retained  our  wits,  De  Cou- 
bert.  The  Indians  were  as  panic-stricken  as  so  many  girls." 

I  glanced  about,  instantly  aroused  by  the  suggestion  of 
his  words,  but  it  was  already  too  late.  The  scattered  guard 
were  trooping  back  into  the  trail,  and  clustered  around  us, 
talking  in  guttural  undertones,  with  much  anxious  peering 


A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

forth  into  that  blackness  whence  Cassady  had  disappeared. 
Far  away,  growing  ever  weaker  from  increasing  distance, 
resounded  still  the  dismal  croon  of  his  gruesome  song. 

We  finally  got  started  once  more  upon  our  journey,  al- 
though we  both  combined  to  delay  as  long  as  possible,  and 
received  many  a  hard  blow  in  reward  for  our  stubborn- 
ness, Challoner  even  getting  the  touch  of  a  knife  in  his 
shoulder,  from  which  the  blood  dripped.  Our  captors  proved 
surly  enough,  now  that  the  full  rush  of  supernatural  fear 
had  left  them,  while  the  dread  of  some  recurring  evil  made 
them  eager  to  get  out  from  beneath  those  brooding  forest 
shadows,  and  they  drove  us  forward  like  dogs,  lashing  us 
mercilessly  with  their  sticks  if  we  dared  to  loiter,  their 
tongues  calling  us  every  foul  name  in  their  vocabulary.  It 
was  dark  by  this  time,  excessively  dark,  so  that  I  could 
barely  distinguish  their  naked  forms,  and  many  a  fierce  and 
cowardly  thrust  came  to  us  from  hands  that  durst  not  strike 
openly  and  in  the  light. 

But,  bien!  it  was  not  destined  to  be  for  long.  I  know  not 
even  now  how  the  fellow  succeeded  in  accomplishing  such  a 
feat,  for  it  must  have  required  a  swift,  hard  run  through  those 
black  woods  to  half  encircle  us  in  so  short  a  time,  yet  we  had 
barely  covered  another  half-mile,  and  were  just  mounting 
a  bit  of  higher  ground  at  the  edge  of  the  forest,  from  the 
summit  of  which  I  could  perceive  the  red  flames  of  a  fire 
beyond,  when  there,  directly  in  front  of  us  once  again,  as 
weird  and  heart-breaking  as  ever,  arose  that  mad,  wild  croon 
of  the  Irishman.  Sacre!  if  it  sent  a  thrill  of  hope  all  over  me, 
it  was  like  a  death-song  to  those  frightened  savages.  They 
stopped  as  if  transformed  to  stone,  and  I  could  mark  their 
eyes  gleaming  green  in  the  darkness,  and  feel  the  hands 
tremble  that  clutched  me.  I  thought  they  would  run  panic- 
stricken,  forgetful  of  all  else  save  their  intense  horror  of 
this  ghastly  thing,  but  the  old  chief  held  them,  lashing  the 
more  cowardly  back  with  his  stick,  chiding  them  as  squaws, 


A  Living  Dog  is  Better  than  a  Dead  Lion    277 

even  while  his  own  teeth  clicked  from  the  fear  which  shook 
him.  But  they  gave  back,  nevertheless,  dragging  us  along 
with  them,  a  number  falling  face  downward  into  the  long 
grass.  I  dropped  my  cheek  against  the  Englishman's  coat  to 
make  sure  it  was  he  who  crouched  next  me. 

"  M on  Dieu,"  I  whispered.  "  That  mad  Irishman  is  try- 
ing to  help ;  he  gives  us  another  chance,  and  for  one  I  '11 
take  it." 

He  made  no  response,  yet  I  felt  him  change  posture  as 
though  gathering  his  limbs  together  for  a  spring.  The  next 
moment  Cassady  was  opposite  us.  Somewhere,  to  add  to 
his  ghostly  impersonation,  the  fellow  had  robbed  a  rotten  log 
of  its  phosphorus,  streaking  it  down  his  white  face  in  spec- 
tral lines  of  greenish  fire,  but  beyond  this  I  could  see  little  of 
him  other  than  the  merest  dim  shadow  of  his  body,  with  the 
uncanny  flutter  of  his  rags.  Yet  this  was  horror  enough, 
coupled  with  that  awful  chant  ever  echoing  through  the 
black  night.  I  glanced  anxiously  around  —  the  Canadian 
stood  not  three  feet  away,  his  head  bowed,  one  arm  flung  up 
across  his  eyes,  as  if  for  protection;  just  beyond  him  was 
outlined  the  slimmer  figure  of  a  naked  savage.  It  was  now 
or  never,  and  with  a  half-prayer  to  God  upon  my  lips,  I  took 
the  leap.  I  struck  that  gray-coat  with  my  head  full  in  the 
chest,  and  he  went  over  like  a  stricken  tree,  and  in  another 
second  I  had  ploughed  into  the  Indian,  sending  him  howling 
backward  upon  his  head.  Someone  grappled  at  the  grass 
rope  trailing  along  behind  me,  but  I  shook  it  free  from  his 
clutch,  and  went  bounding  away  into  the  black  depths  of 
the  forest. 


CHAPTER   XXVII  • 


IN   A   RACE   FOR    LIFE 

IT  was  like  recklessly  dashing  against  a  black  wall,  so 
dense  lay  the  night  beneath  those  overshadowing  trees. 
Yet  I  durst  not  pause  or  hesitate.  Behind  was  a  death  of 
horror ;  ahead  hope,  with  the  possible  rescue  of  Mademoiselle. 
My  moccasined  feet  scarcely  made  a  sound  on  the  short  grass, 
while  the  woods  were  open,  unobstructed  by  underbrush. 
But  I  fell  more  than  once,  and  heavily,  for  with  hands  bound 
tightly  behind  I  could  do  nothing  to  save  myself ;  I  collided 
with  trees,  and  low  branches  slashed  my  face  like  so  many 
wires,  yet  such  accidents  halted  my  mad  rush  only  for  the 
instant.  Fear  and  hope  and  love  combined  to  spur  me  on  in 
renewed  exertion,  left  me  utterly  careless  of  wounds,  and 
forced  the  red  blood  throbbing  through  my  veins.  I  was 
free!  free!  loosened  from  the  cruel  grip  of  those  merciless 
fiends,  and  I  would  die  there  amid  those  shadows,  my  fate 
unknown,  ere  I  would  ever  submit  again  to  capture. 

I  heard  behind  me  the  sounds  of  a  fierce  struggle,  the 
vicious  barking  of  a  dog,  the  monotonous  chant  of  the  Irish- 
man, the  rising  din  of  guttural  voices,  but  never  so  much  as 
glanced  back  across  my  shoulder.  Had  I  done  so  I  could 
have  seen  nothing,  learned  nothing  as  to  whether  or  not  I 
was  pursued,  and  I  needed  every  sense  of  touch  and  vision 
to  guard  me  from  the  manifold  dangers  in  my  front.  The 
fresh  night  air  fanned  my  cheeks,  bringing  me  renewed 
vigor,  the  dew  on  the  leaves  that  splashed  my  face  was  grate- 
fully refreshing;  I  could  inhale  the  fragrance  of  crushed 
flowers,  the  many  sweet  and  mingled  odors  of  the  woods. 


In  a  Race  for  Life  279 

But  of  these  I  thought  nothing- — my  sole  purpose  was  escape, 
and  to  that  one  single  end  I  bent  every  awakened  energy  of 
my  being,  running  as  the  deer  runs,  swiftly,  and  with  a 
recklessness  which  eVer  proves  the  safer  in  the  end.  Back 
of  me  were  savages,  born  to  just  such  solitudes,  tireless, 
relentless,  capable,  if  need  should  arise,  to  track  a  hare  upon 
the  trail.  To  win  away  from  such  as  these  would  test  to  the 
full  my  every  skill  in  woodcraft,  my  utmost  strength,  my 
swiftest  pace.  With  teeth  shut  grimly  to  the  struggle,  the 
savage  in  me  responded  to  the  thought. 

To  the  south  of  where  I  started  I  had  noted  the  red  flames 
of  a  fire;  to  the  north  lay  the  dreaded  village  of  the  Otta- 
was.  My  most  hopeful  course  must  lie  toward  the  east,  yet 
a  greater  present  safety  lay  in  doubling  upon  the  trail.  I  cir- 
cled as  best  I  could  amid  such  darkness,  which  yielded  to 
straining  eyes  barely  the  slightest  guidance.  Occasionally 
I  caught  the  glimmer  of  a  star  high  overhead  through  the 
obscuring  branches;  again  a  slight  hill  or  winding  hollow 
gave  faint  sense  of  direction,  but  in  the  main  I  plunged 
blindly  forward,  scarcely  able  to  avoid  those  trees  which 
blocked  my  path.  I  heard  nothing  now  but  my  own  labored 
breathing,  the  rustle  of  the  leaves,  or  the  stir  of  some  wild 
animal  disturbed  at  my  approach.  It  was  like  a  great  cave 
in  those  cool  depths,  and  I  ran  more  slowly,  husbanding  my 
strength,  and  endeavoring  to  figure  out  my  circle,  so  that  I 
might  head  once  more  eastward.  I  smiled  as  I  ran  at  thought 
of  those  baffled  savages  behind  me.  Bah !  not  even  an  Indian, 
though  gifted  with  all  the  secrets  of  woodcraft,  could  ever 
trail  me  now  through  such  darkness,  and  along  so  devious  a 
track.  Morning  might  find  them  at  it,  but  before  the  gray 
dawn  came  I  would  succeed  in  blocking  them  by  some  cun- 
ning trick  of  cover.  It  had  not  proven  so  difficult  as  I  had 
feared;  to  be  sure  I  was  bruised  and  lame,  ragged  and 
breathless,  a  mere  hunted  fugitive,  with  many  a  hardship 
fronting  me ;  but  what  of  that  ?  Sacre !  there  were  a  thou- 


28o  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

sand  ways  leading  out,  and  I  yet  retained  sufficient  of  youth 
to  make  adventure  welcome. 

I  halted  for  a  moment,  leaning  against  a  great  tree-trunk, 
seeking  to  ease  my  labored  breathing,  and  listening  intently 
for  any  distant  sounds  indicative  of  pursuit.  Those  vast 
forest  aisles  stretching  away  upon  every  side  were  like  giant 
tunnels  conveying  sounds.  I  could  hear  the  soughing  of  the 
wind,  the  rasping  of  dead  branches,  the  fluttering  of  night 
birds,  and,  farther  away,  the  mournful  hooting  of  an  owl. 
Then  there  came,  borne  to  my  ears,  like  the  report  of  a  gun, 
the  sharp,  penetrating  bark  of  a  dog.  An  instant  I  waited, 
crouching  forward  to  make  sure  my  hearing  had  not  de- 
ceived me ;  clearer  even  than  before  I  heard  it,  accompanied 
this  time  by  a  whine  as  though  the  animal  had  received 
some  hurt. 

The  dog!    Saint  Denis!  but  I  had  forgotten  the  dog! 

I  might,  indeed,  in  that  intense  darkness,  amid  the  laby- 
rinths of  forest,  throw  those  savages  from  my  track,  but  not 
this  cur,  relentlessly  trailing  me  by  scent  of  my  moccasins 
along  the  grass.  Mon  Dieu!  if  I  only  had  my  hands  free 
with  which  to  throttle  the  brute!  I  struggled  against  the 
bonds,  but  the  stout  grass  blades  held  like  manacles  of  steel, 
tearing  the  skin  from  my  wrists,  until  I  could  feel  the  blood 
trickling  down  my  fingers. 

I  wheeled  about  and  ran,  seeking  now  every  depression 
in  hope  of  discovering  water  along  which  I  might  wade  and 
thus  destroy  the  scent.  In  that  wild  rush  for  safety  I  lost 
my  slight  sense  of  direction  and  plunged  headlong  into  a 
dense  thicket,  where  thorns  scratched  me  and  branches 
slapped  me  viciously  in  the  face,  but  I  found  no  stream, 
nothing  but  a  bare  surface  of  rock,  across  which  I  stumbled 
blindly.  I  could  hear  the  dog  now  with  horrible  distinctness, 
as  he  gave  tongue  to  that  eagerness  with  which  he  drew 
closer  to  his  prey ;  the  sharp,  whining  bark  had  merged  into 
a  deeper  bay,  savage  and  threatening.  Already  he  must  be 


In  a  Race  for  Life  281 

at  the  very  tree  where  I  had  first  halted  to  listen  —  five  min- 
utes more  would  witness  him  leaping  across  those  rocks  and, 
maddened  by  the  chase,  hurling  himself  at  my  defenceless 
throat.  Bon  Dieu!  I  knew  not  what  to  do,  how  best  to  meet 
the  brute,  with  what  weapons  to  crush  down  his  fierce 
assault.  Like  a  trapped  rabbit,  bound  and  helpless,  I  stared 
into  the  black  void,  terror  changing  my  blood  into  ice,  my 
brain  to  wood.  What  use  to  prolong  such  unequal  struggle  ? 
What  faintest  hope  was  left,  what  slightest  chance  remained 
in  combat  waged  against  that  enraged  brute,  with  neither 
arms  nor  hands  free?  Already  I  felt  his  fangs  tearing  me, 
his  hot  breath  upon  my  face.  But  Mademoiselle!  The 
name  thrilled  through  me  as  I  have  experienced  the  blare 
of  a  trumpet  in  hour  of  battle.  A  sudden  rush  of  manhood 
swept  the  sneaking  coward  from  my  heart,  as  though  new 
blood  had  been  injected  into  my  veins.  Ay!  I  might  go 
down,  go  down  mangled  and  disfigured  under  those  snap- 
ping jaws,  go  down  to  hideous,  repulsive  death  alone  amid 
those  black  depths  of  forest,  but,  under  God,  I  would  go 
fighting  to  the  end.  Mademoiselle!  it  was  her  gray  eyes, 
her  fair  face  that  nerved  me,  and  I  drew  the  deep  breath  of 
a  fighter  ere  he  closes  in  death  grapple  with  his  foe. 

Nor  had  I  a  moment  to  spare.  There  was  a  crash  in  those 
thick  brambles  opposite,  a  low,  ominous  growl,  and  then  my 
straining  eyes  could  dimly  perceive  the  long  slim  figure  leap- 
ing out  upon  the  rocks.  The  mere  glimpse  of  that  skulking 
brute  maddened  me  into  a  fury  of  desperation.  Bien!  if  I 
died,  so  must  he ;  our  lifeless  bodies  should  lie  there  in  that 
black  hollow  together.  I  possessed  nothing  to  fight  with 
save  my  feet,  and  they  encased  in  soft  moccasins,  but  I 
crouched  low  on  the  little  eminence,  hoping  his  eyes  would 
not  discover  me  until  I  could  strike  the  first  blow  in  this  duel 
to  the  death.  There  was  a  chance  —  such  a  vague,  shadowy 
chance  —  if  I  could  only  keep  his  gleaming  teeth  from  off  my 
throat.  Holy  Mother!  he  looked  a  demon  in  the  star- 


282  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

light,  a  thin,  sinewy  brute,  long  of  limb  like  a  hound,  his  hair 
short  and  shiny,  his  eyes  like  coals  of  fire,  a  white  foam  drip- 
ping from  his  lips ;  and  he  came  crouching  across  the  rocks 
like  a  great  cat,  his  tail  flapping  from  side  to  side  as  though 
he  scented  blood. 

I  doubt  if  the  creature  saw  me.  Suddenly  he  stopped, 
pointing  his  muzzle  upward,  suspiciously  sniffing  the  air,  and 
emitted  a  howl,  which  was  half  a  yelp,  sounding  unspeakably 
dismal  as  it  found  echo  from  tree  to  tree.  That  same  instant 
I  was  on  him,  striking  him  fairly  in  the  centre  of  his  long 
body,  and  crushing  him  down,  snapping  and  snarling  like  a 
wild  cat,  while  I  stamped  him  mercilessly  against  the  rock. 
Mon  Dieu!  but  he  tore  me,  sinking  his  gleaming  fangs  deep 
into  the  flesh  of  my  calf,  and  stripping  one  leg  bare  of  its 
stocking  with  the  cruel  sweep  of  his  claw.  But  I  got  his 
throat  beneath  my  heel,  and  bore  remorselessly  down  upon  it, 
gripping  him  as  in  a  vise,  throwing  my  whole  weight  to  that 
one  endeavor.  He  writhed  and  twisted  madly  in  the  struggle, 
his  eyes  glowing  red  into  my  face,  his  body  flung  from  side 
to  side  in  paroxysms  of  effort,  his  hinder  claws  tearing  at 
me  in  desperate  ferocity.  But  I  held  him !  Saint  Denis !  I 
held  him!  squeezing  that  tough  throat  down  with  a  grip 
merciless,  unyielding.  The  tongue  protruded  red,  the  eyes 
grew  staring  and  frightful,  but  I  crushed  him  down,  ever 
tighter  and  tighter  against  that  stone,  my  whole  body  now  the 
deadly  weight  which  choked  him.  There  was  a  second  when 
I  thought  he  might  make  it,  might  wrench  loose  in  his  death- 
squirming  from  that  gripping  heel,  and  wreak  his  vengeance. 
Faith !  it  was  touch  and  go  as  he  rocked  me  half  over  in  the 
mad  struggle,  yet  I  kept  my  feet,  inspired  by  the  desperation 
of  despair,  and  choked  the  mad  brute  until  he  died  snarling, 
clawing  at  me  till  the  last  sobbing  breath  quitted  his  quiver- 
ing body. 

For  a  moment  I  reeled  above  him  like  a  drunken  man, 
barely  conscious  of  victory,  completely  unnerved  by  the  ten- 


In  a  Race  for  Life  283 

sion  of  that  awful  combat.  Then  I  left  the  carcass  lying 
there,  an  ugly  black  blotch  in  the  shine  of  the  stars,  and 
plunged  headlong  into  the  deepest  shadows  of  the  woods  be- 
yond. I  ran  blindly,  realizing  little  except  that  the  savages 
might  be  close  behind  their  dog,  and  that  I  must  cover  all 
the  ground  possible.  I  laughed  as  I  ran,  the  hysterical 
laugh  of  one  whose  brain  tottered  from  overstrain,  yet  little 
by  little,  as  I  put  that  grim  horror  behind  me,  reason  crept 
back  upon  her  throne.  My  wounds  scarcely  troubled  me, 
excepting  as  the  low  branches  whipped  my  lacerated  limbs 
and  set  them  to  smarting  afresh.  I  fell  twice  in  that  rush, 
each  time  driving  the  breath  from  my  body  by  the  shock, 
and  finally  I  went  down  for  the  third  time,  but  now  rolled 
sheer  over  the  sharp  edge  of  an  unseen  declivity,  plunging 
helplessly  down  through  the  underbrush,  until  I  splashed 
into  running  water  far  below.  And  I  came  within  an  ace  of 
dying  there,  my  bonds  so  fettering  me  that  to  gain  my  knees 
proved  a  desperate  struggle. 

The  shore  line  was  thickly  strewn  with  flint  rocks  of  every 
conceivable  size  and  shape.  I  crept  along  them  beneath  the 
overhanging  foliage  into  a  blackness  as  intense  as  though 
it  composed  the  interior  of  a  cavern,  and,  discovering  a  rest- 
ing place  upon  an  outcropping  ledge,  lay  there  listening,  and 
slowly  nursing  back  the  breath  into  my  battered  body.  I  was 
sore  and  bruised  from  head  to  heel,  my  flesh  torn  by  the 
Indian  sticks  and  the  teeth  of  the  dog,  and  battered  severely 
'by  those  trees  with  which  I  had  collided  in  the  darkness. 
About  me  sounded  the  familiar  noises  of  the  forest,  the  calls 
of  wild  animals  disturbed  in  their  lairs  or  prowling  amid  the 
shadows,  the  mournful  soughing  of  the  wind,  the  distant 
hooting  of  the  vigilant  owl,  mingled  with  the  murmur  of  the 
water  as  it  raced  past  the  rock  on  which  I  rested.  But  there 
was  nothing  to  awaken  alarm  —  I  was  alone  and  safe,  my 
pursuers  baffled  and  far  behind.  That  unexpected  dip  into 
the  cool  stream  had  refreshed  me,  and  the  healing  waters  had 


284  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

greatly  helped  my  wounds.  This  renewed  life  springing 
up  within  me  bade  me  press  on,  and  in  response  thereto  I  sat 
up,  my  head  touching  the  overarching  boughs.  As  I  moved 
slightly,  some  sharp  and  jagged  edge  of  the  stone  gave  me 
a  stab  of  pain  upon  my  naked  ankle.  I  felt  eagerly  in  the 
darkness  to  discover  the  cause,  slipping  off  the  flat  face  of  the 
rock  into  the  water,  so  that  I  might  make  use  of  my  hands 
behind  me.  Investigation  proved  the  rock  edge  flinty,  and  so 
split  apart  as  to  leave  a  ragged  protuberance,  not  unlike  the 
hacked  blade  of  a  knife. 

No  discovery  could  have  been  more  welcome.  I  braced 
back  against  it,  rubbing  the  grass  rope  with  all  my  strength 
up  and  down  across  the  teeth  of  that  natural  saw.  It  bit  into 
the  skin  sadly,  making  me  wince  from  the  sharp  pain  of  it, 
but  little  by  little  the  tough  strands  yielded  until  one  hand 
slipped  free.  The  rest  was  easy,  and  I  flung  my  liberated 
arms  above  my  head,  feeling  an  exhilaration  hard  to  express. 
I  bathed  my  lacerated  wrists  in  the  cool  running  water, 
and  gradually  they  came  back  to  strength  and  suppleness, 
while  my  mind  grappled  hopefully  with  the  further  problem 
of  escape.  The  night  was  still  young,  and  I  could  confidently 
count  upon  several  hours  of  darkness  in  which  to  conceal 
my  movements.  I  knew  nothing  regarding  this  stream  in 
which  I  stood,  yet  beyond  doubt  it  emptied  into  the  great 
river  flowing  before  Detroit,  and  must  therefore  prove  my 
safest  guide.  Unarmed  as  I  was,  utterly  ignorant  as  to  any 
point  of  the  compass,  I  saw  no  prospect  of  accomplishing 
slightest  service  for  those  imprisoned  girls  except  by  attain- 
ing the  English  stockade,  and  guiding  some  body  of  armed 
men  back  to  their  rescue.  The  quicker  I  succeeded  in  accom- 
plishing this,  the  more  certain  their  safety.  If  I  succeeded 
in  reaching  the  river  before  daylight,  it  ought  not  to  prove  so 
serious  a  task  merely  to  float  down  with  the  current  under 
cover  of  darkness.  I  ran  a  risk,  no  doubt,  of  attracting  the 
attention  of  some  prowling  savage  along  the  shore,  or  of 


In  a  Race  for  Life  285 

being  fired  at  by  a  vigilant  sentry  at  the  fort,  but  these  were 
minor  matters.  Such  attempt  was  certainly  safer  than  to 
remain  lurking  where  I  was  until  daylight. 

This  in  mind  I  started  off,  following  the  uncertain  vagaries 
of  the  stream,  which  widened  somewhat  as  I  progressed 
downward.  It  was  intensely  dark  from  that  dense  forest  on 
either  side,  the  trees  along  the  shore  overhanging  the  water, 
but  through  the  narrow  strip  of  sky  beyond  there  fell  a  faint 
star-shine,  shimmering  along  the  surface,  and  assisting  me 
to  make  more  rapid  progress.  I  must  have  been  fully  an  hour 
at  it,  yet  growing  stronger  in  body  and  more  confident  of 
mind  with  each  advancing  step.  Now  and  then  I  would 
pause,  as  the  hunted  deer  does,  to  listen  for  some  unwonted 
noise,  but  nothing  reached  my  strained  ears  to  tell  of  human 
presence  in  all  that  wilderness.  The  stream  suddenly  broad- 
ened, and  became  more  shallow,  the  rock  bottom  changing  to 
sand.  The  woods  ceased  along  the  southern  shore,  and  I 
crept  across  into  the  dark  shadows  upon  the  opposite  side, 
climbing  the  steep  bank  in  hope  of  thus  seeing  more  clearly, 
for  I  imagined  the  stars  reflected  back  from  off  a  wider  sweep 
of  water  just  beyond. 

As  I  topped  that  bank  a  ray  of  yellow  light  flashed  into 
my  face,  and  I  sank  instantly  back  within  my  covert,  half 
believing  it  to  be  the  flame  of  a  rifle.  Reassured  as  to  this, 
I  peered  cautiously  forward,  barely  lifting  my  eyes  above  the 
thick  bush  behind  which  I  crouched.  Not  a  rod  away  stood 
a  double  log  cabin,  the  open  door  facing  me.  A  candle, 
sitting  upon  a  rude  dresser  at  the  back  of  the  room,  feebly 
illumined  the  interior,  and  cast  a  flickering  gleam  into  my 
eyes.  A  man  was  just  within  range  of  my  vision,  leaning 
carelessly  against  the  frame  of  the  door,  one  hand  grasping 
the  brown  barrel  of  a  long  rifle.  He  was  white,  and  wore 
the  gray  coat  of  a  Canadian  voyageur,  but  the  shadows 
flickered  in  so  bewildering  a  way  I  was  unable  to  distin- 
guish his  features  clearly. 


286  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

The  one  thing  I  saw  which  sent  my  blood  leaping  was 
beyond  him.  There,  upon  a  wooden  peg  beside  the  dresser, 
hung  the  broad-brimmed  hat  of  a  woman.  Instantly,  in 
shape  and  ribbon,  in  the  silver  buckle  that  bound  it,  I  recog- 
nized its  ownership  —  I  had  last  seen  it  crowning  the  bonny 
brown  locks  of  Rene.  Out  from  all  that  darkness  and  suffer- 
ing, through  the  intense  gloom  of  the  unknown  forest,  the 
fierce  agonies  of  desperate  combat,  the  good  angels  had  led 
me,  straight  as  an  arrow  flies,  to  the  lonely  cabin  of 
Monsieur  Quilleriez. 


CHAPTER   XXVIII 

'TWIXT   SMILE   AND   TEAR 

NEVER  do  I  recall  feeling  happier,  or  more  supremely 
confident,  than  at  that  moment.  This  direct  leading 
of  God  appeared  so  clear  to  my  mind  that  all  doubts  as  to  the 
final  outcome  deserted  me  like  so  many  vanishing  phantoms 
of  the  night.  Ragged  and  bruised,  a  hunted  fugitive,  cower- 
ing amid  the  darkest  thickets  lest  some  eye  should  perceive 
me,  I  was  yet  destined  to  be  a  victor,  and  the  certainty  of  it 
served  to  clear  my  brain,  and  brought  renewed  courage  for 
adventure.  Even  as  this  fresh  spirit  swept  me,  the  Canadian 
guard  strode  heavily  across  the  room  and,  with  one  breath, 
extinguished  the  sputtering  candle.  Then  he  stepped  with- 
out, and  stood  a  moment  gazing  at  the  stars,  before  seating 
himself  in  comfort  on  the  doorstep.  He  appeared  no  more 
than  a  smudge  of  black  in  the  gloom,  until  he  struck  flint  and 
steel  to  light  his  pipe.  Then  I  caught  glimpse  of  a  short, 
gray  beard  revealed  in  the  brief  glow,  and  marked  the  brown 
rifle  barrel  resting  against  his  shoulder.  From  his  lounging 
attitude  and  slow  deliberate  movements,  there  was  little 
doubt  the  fellow  was  on  guard  there  for  the  night. 

My  thought  recurred  to  where  Rene  referred  in  her  brief 
note  to  seeing  the  star  gleam  through  the  intervening  bank 
of  earth.  That  would  most  likely  be  at  the  other  side  of  the 
house,  where  it  abutted  upon  the  river;  but  I  durst  not 
attempt  to  slip  back  from  where  I  lay  while  that  Canadian 
sentinel  held  his  place  upon  the  doorstep.  The  slightest 
rustle  of  a  leaf,  or  crackle  of  a  dry  twig,  would  arouse  his 
suspicion.  He  rested  so  close  to  me  I  was  able  to  distin- 
guish his  breathing  in  the  still  night,  while  the  soft  breeze 


288  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

wafted  to  my  nostrils  the  fragrance  of  his  burning  tobacco. 
I  scarcely  ventured  upon  straightening  my  cramped  limbs; 
more  than  this  I  must  not  attempt,  even  behind  that  impene- 
trable screen  of  darkness.  BonDieu!  those  minutes  dragged 
so  I  began  to  believe  he  would  continue  to  sit  there  forever, 
a  hulking,  shapeless  shadow  in  the  gloom,  yet  without  doubt 
sufficiently  wide-awake,  and  ready  for  action  at  the  least 
alarm.  I  could  perceive  the  glow  of  his  pipe,  the  sole  spot 
of  color  in  all  that  darkness,  and  those  light  spirals  of  smoke 
he  shot  up  into  the  air. 

I  had  exhausted  all  patience  when  the  fellow  got  deliber- 
ately upon  his  feet,  yawning  sleepily  as  he  did  so,  and  knock- 
ing the  ashes  from  out  the  bowl  of  his  pipe  against  the  frame 
of  the  door.  He  stood  there  a  long  minute,  perhaps,  swing- 
ing his  arms  as  though  the  night  air  had  chilled  him,  and 
listening  to  the  hoot  of  an  owl  in  the  black  ravine.  Then 
he  walked  to  the  corner  of  the  cabin,  peering  around  it  along 
the  steep  bank  of  the  stream. 

"  Hey,  there,  Frangois,"  he  called  gruffly.  "  Have  an  eye 
upon  this  side  for  a  minute  while  I  go  down  to  the  spring 
after  a  drink.  That  last  tobacco  bites  the  tongue  like  the 
lash  of  a  whip.  S acre  I  that  little  Quilleriez  might  afford 
a  better  brand,  when  he  works  us  both  night  and  day." 

I  could  dimly  perceive  his  companion  by  this  time,  a  bulky 
figure  in  a  great  coat,  which  flapped  open  as  he  walked. 
His  deep  voice  had  the  growl  of  a  bear. 

"  'T  is  as  you  say,  mon  camarade,"  he  rejoined,  dropping 
the  butt  of  his  gun  heavily  against  the  rock,  and  leaning 
lazily  upon  it.  "  We  do  all  the  work,  and  this  Quilleriez 
reaps  the  harvest.  Pardieu!  'tis  no  great  honor  at  the  best 
to  take  orders  from  such  a  figure  of  a  man,  let  alone  the 
food  and  cheer  he  gives  us.  I  would  as  soon  be  servant  to  a 
monkey,  and  there  are  times  when  I  am  ready  enough  to  cut 
the  whole  thing." 

"  You  were  ever  a  miserable  old  grumbler,   Frangois," 


'Twixt  Smile  and  Tear  289 

said  the  other,  his  good  humor  returning  at  the  sound  of  such 
fault-finding.  "  Never  did  I  know  you  to  be  satisfied.  Sacrs! 
this  Quilleriez  is  not  so  bad ;  he  may  indeed  feed  us  ill  enough, 
but  there  have  been  other  pickings  in  plenty,  and  when  we 
once  get  into  Detroit,  we  are  sure  of  our  share  of  the  spoil." 

"  When  we  once  get  into  Detroit,"  sarcastically.  "  That 
may  be  so,  Philippe ;  but  when  ?  " 

"  Oh,  't  will  all  be  soon  over  with  now.  Heard  ye  not  what 
that  French  officer  said  to  Pontiac  ?  Old  De  Villiers  is  bound 
eastward  with  a  thousand  regulars  and  four  brass  pieces. 
Saint  Mary !  but  they  will  knock  a  pretty  hole  in  those  logs 
for  the  red-coats  to  fill  up." 

"  Ay,  and  old  Villiers  and  those  regulars  of  his  will  be  like 
to  claim  all  the  plums  in  this  fat  pudding,  no  doubt,  while  we, 
who  have  really  done  the  work,  can  whistle  for  our  share. 
Where  is  old  Quilleriez  to-night?  Pardieu!  'tis  not  often 
of  late  that  he  wanders  so  long  from  the  shadow  of  his 
sweet  dovecot." 

The  older  man  laughed,  his  cackle  seeming  to  die  behind 
his  beard. 

"  No,  he  keeps  strong  guard  over  these  prisoners ;  they 
must  be  worth  a  pretty  penny  by  the  trouble  he  takes.  But 
this  night  had  an  unusual  attraction  elsewhere,  which  even 
he  could  not  resist  —  't  is  the  burning  of  that  fellow  who 
gave  him  such  a  dressing  down  along  the  trail.  No  doubt 
the  Ottawas  are  warming  him  up  right  smart  by  now." 

"  You  mean  that  one  who  brought  in  these  women,  and 
then  made  such  a  bluff  at  Pontiac  by  claiming  to  be  a  French 
officer?" 

"  Bien,  that 's  the  lad ;  tall  and  well  built,  with  something 
the  look  of  a  gay  gallant.  'T  is  a  sight  that  will  likely  please 
old  Quilleriez,  especially  as  I  hear  they  build  the  fire  in  full 
view  of  the  English  garrison.  But  I  must  go  on  to  the 
spring,  Frangois;  so  keep  those  sleepy  eyes  of  yours  wide 
open  till  I  return." 


290  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

He  passed  directly  by  me,  thrashing  through  the  bushes  so 
closely  that  the  loosened  string  of  his  moccasin  flapped  my 
hand.  The  other  stared  a  moment  after  his  retreating  figure, 
whistling  soberly,  then  took  one  peering  glance  along  the 
front  of  the  cabin,  and  slouched  backward  down  the  bank  of 
the  stream.  As  his  shadow  merged  into  the  gloom  of  the 
trees,  a  wild  impulse  swept  me  to  get  away  from  my  present 
uncomfortable  posture,  and  reach  those  women  imprisoned 
within.  Monsieur  Quilleriez's  absence  evidently  meant  a 
marked  relaxation  of  vigilance,  and  the  opportunity  for  a 
bold  stroke.  Instantly  I  was  upon  my  knees,  my  heart  throb- 
bing fiercely,  yet  with  every  instinct  alert.  The  way  was  per- 
fectly clear,  the  open  door  not  twenty  feet  distant.  Crouching 
low  I  made  a  sudden  dash  for  it,  and  attained  the  centre  of 
that  darkened  room  unchallenged.  Yet,  even  as  I  searched 
the  floor  with  anxious,  groping  fingers  for  the  ring  of  a  trap 
door,  I  called  myself  a  fool,  and  longed  heartily  to  be  once 
more  in  safety  upon  the  outside.  But  it  was  already  too  late ; 
far  less  of  danger  lurked  ahead  than  behind,  while  many  a 
wise  deed  would  have  failed  of  accomplishment  but  for  some 
foolish  blunder.  I  discovered  it  at  last,  that  square  crack 
I  was  diligently  seeking  in  the  floor,  and  then  my  fingers 
gripped  the  iron  ring.  I  raised  slightly  the  heavy  door,  and 
instantly  a  flash  of  yellow  light  burst  into  my  face  from 
below.  I  could  perceive  no  signs  of  a  ladder  leading  down, 
yet,  without  hesitation,  crowded  my  body  through  the  nar- 
row opening,  lowered  the  cover  silently  upon  my  fingers, 
so  it  would  make  but  little  noise  in  its  fall,  and  let  go  my 
hold. 

I  came  down  softly  upon  my  feet,  uttering  a  quick  word  of 
warning  even  as  I  fell.  I  saw  Rene,  ay,  and  spoke  to  her, 
noting  how  rapidly  her  sympathetic  face  changed  from  terror 
to  welcome,  even  while  her  parted  lips  refused  utterance, 
yet  it  almost  seems  to  me  now  that  all  I  clearly  perceived 
in  that  supreme  moment  was  the  presence  of  Mademoiselle. 


'Twixt  Smile  and  Tear  291 

How  utterly  I  forgot  everything  else  —  everything,  save  her 
alone!  That  black,  haunted  night  without,  those  savage 
hunters  pursuing  me,  the  very  memory  of  our  common 
danger,  deserted  my  mind  as  by  magic,  and  I  only  realized 
I  faced  once  again  the  mistress  of  my  heart. 

It  was  the  rudest  spot  imaginable  in  which  I  thus  found 
them  —  a  mere  shapeless  excavation  of  the  earth,  the  lower 
walls  composed  of  yellow  clay,  the  upper  of  irregular  slabs 
of  limestone;  vast  wooden  props,  formed  from  tree-trunks, 
supported  the  floor  above,  and  cast  dense  black  shadows. 
Along  the  trampled  floor,  as  some  pretence  to  comfort,  had 
been  thickly  spread  various  skins  of  wild  animals;  robes 
and  a  medley  of  blankets  in  gay  coloring  were  stacked  along 
the  farther  wall,  and  two  boxes,  rudely  fashioned  into  the 
semblance  of  chairs.  A  tin  holder,  tied  by  a  deerskin  cord 
to  one  of  the  supports,  held  the  single  lighted  candle,  whose 
flickering  rays  cast  feeble  illumination  over  the  squalid  in- 
terior, leaving  the  further  corners  dark,  and  but  half  reveal- 
ing the  faces  of  its  occupants.  I  saw  all  this  with  a  single 
glance,  the  dancing  light,  the  rough  surroundings,  the  glisten- 
ing cobwebs  hanging  between  the  rafters,  the  startled  faces 
of  the  two  women,  as  they  drew  hastily  back  from  me  in  that 
first  instant  before  recognition  dawned.  Then  I  was  across 
that  narrow  intervening  space,  resting  upon  one  knee,  my 
hand  clasping  the  white  fingers  of  Mademoiselle.  Ah !  how 
sweet  to  me  was  that  warm  rush  of  color  dyeing  her  fair 
cheeks  crimson,  that  surprised  look  of  cordial  welcome 
sweeping  into  her  proud  eyes,  that  unstudied  warmth  of 
greeting  with  which  she  met  me.  If  any  haunting  memory 
of  him  who  claimed  her  promise  swept  across  my  brain,  I 
cast  it  contemptuously  aside:  this  hour,  at  least,  should  be 
mine ;  for  this  one  hour  love  was  to  sweep  aside  all  barriers 
and  hold  reckless  sway.  I  looked  up  into  her  face,  marking 
eagerly  those  kindling  cheeks,  the  gray  eyes,  half  hidden 
behind  the  long  lashes,  yet  glowing  with  a  depth  of  feeling 


292  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

which  made  of  her  a  new  woman.  Mon  Dieu!  in  that 
moment  of  moments  I  knew  this:  whatever  the  rights  of 
Challoner,  I  no  longer  remained  to  her  the  same  as  other 
men ;  not  yet,  perhaps,  had  I  won  the  full,  sweet  prize  of  my 
audacious  endeavor,  but  surely,  by  the  testimony  of  her 
manner,  I  was  not  now  so  far  away  from  her  heart.  Thrilled 
by  knowledge  of  my  late  peril,  surprised  at  my  unexpected 
coming,  shocked  by  my  personal  appearance,  for  that  single 
instant  the  obstructing  shutters  fell,  and  I  caught  one  fleeting 
glimpse  into  the  guarded  secrets  of  her  soul. 

"  Mademoiselle,"  I  cried,  my  voice  trembling  with  pent 
emotion,  "  I  have  found  my  way  to  you  —  my  welcome 
the  glad  light  in  your  eyes ! " 

She  lifted  her  disengaged  hand  and  rested  it  softly  upon 
my  disordered  hair,  stroking  it  as  she  might  that  of  some 
child  come  to  her  for  comfort.  It  was  a  simple  thing  to  do, 
yet  unspeakably  womanly. 

"  Monsieur,"  and  never  listened  I  to  voice  more  gracious 
and  kindly,  "  my  eyes  have  not  told  you  any  false  tale ;  I  do 
indeed  welcome  you,  even  as  one  risen  from  the  dead." 

"  You  knew  then,  Mademoiselle  ?  " 

She  bent  her  head  lower,  striving  to  hold  back  the  tears 
which  were  already  clinging  to  her  long  lashes. 

"  I  knew ;  I  knew  —  my  God,  the  piteous  agony  of  it !  to 
be  waiting  here  in  this  filthy  den,  our  minds  filled  with  the 
horrors  of  your  torture !  Oh,  Monsieur,  Monsieur,  my  only 
comfort  all  this  day  long  has  been  that  you  had  received  my 
word  of  confidence;  you  knew  in  the  hour  of  your  awful 
trial  I  was  not  ungrateful." 

I  could  not  restrain  myself  from  the  action,  bending  lower 
until  my  lips  pressed  the  hand  yet  held  closely  imprisoned 
within  my  own. 

"  That  single  line  which  you  added  to  Mademoiselle 
Rene's  note  came  to  me  as  a  message  from  heaven,"  I  re- 
turned warmly.  "  Nothing  hurt  me  so  deeply  that  night 


'Twixt  Smile  and  Tear  293 

within  the  council-lodge,  as  did  the  doubt  I  read  so  clearly 
expressed  in  your  eyes,  the  knowledge  that  you  could  think 
me  capable  of  such  base  treachery." 

"  Nor  did  I,  Monsieur.  It  was  but  the  first  sudden  im- 
pression which  staggered  my  faith.  Once  outside  in  the 
cool  air  I  would  have  broken  away  from  my  captors,  and 
rushed  back  to  face  them  all  with  words  of  confidence. 
Would  that  it  had  been  possible,  for  I  should  have  com- 
pelled that  English  half-breed  to  creep  upon  his  knees  in 
penance  for  his  lie.  But  rise,  Monsieur;  surely  this  is 
no  throne-room,  nor  do  I  bear  greatly  the  semblance  of  a 
queen." 

"  Queens  are  not  always  found  amid  splendor,  Mademoi- 
selle. She  is  the  true  queen  who  rules  hearts  in  spite  of  her 
environment." 

"  Such  compliment  plainly  bespeaks  your  nation,"  she 
replied,  a  sudden  smile  gleaming  through  her  unshed  tears. 
"  No  Englishman  could  ever  have  spoken  it  so  finely.  Yet 
this  is  not  adverse  criticism,  for  I  have  been  learning  rapidly 
of  late  to  think  more  kindly  of  French  gallantry  than  I  once 
did.  You  have  taught  me  lessons,  Monsieur,  which  may, 
perhaps,  be  worth  even  these  perils  of  the  wilderness  to 
master.  But  surely  we  waste  precious  time  in  such  idle 
compliments.  Tell  us  your  story  of  escape,  for  your  appear- 
ance bears  ample  witness  to  desperate  deeds.  Sit  here,  Mon- 
sieur, upon  these  robes  beside  me." 

I  changed  my  posture  in  obedience  to  her  gesture,  con- 
scious, even  as  my  glance  wandered  toward  Rene's  upturned, 
inquisitive  face,  that  Mademoiselle's  eyes  were  opening  wide 
while  they  marked  more  clearly  my  deplorable  condition. 

"  You  are  wounded,"  she  exclaimed,  "  and  more  than 
once.  Why,  it  even  pains  you  to  move.  Rene,  the  water 
in  that  jug  yonder,  and  a  strip  from  off  that  old  blanket. 
It  will  prove  poor  surgery,  perchance,  but  most  tender, 
Monsieur." 


294  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

I  protested  vainly,  urging,  what  was  the  truth,  that  my 
injuries  were  merely  trivial,  my  pain  no  greater  than  what 
flesh  wounds  often  leave.  My  lady  would  have  her  impe- 
rious way,  while  Rene's  white  fingers  were  full  of  eagerness, 
and  her  lips  had  regained  their  old-time  audacity. 

"  Oh,  hey ! "  she  cried  mischievously,  smiling  up  into 
my  eyes,  as  she  worked  swiftly,  "  it  would  be  only  just  did 
I  leave  all  this  to  Mistress  Alene,  for  you  have  been  neglect- 
ing me  most  shamefully,  Monsieur.  Oh,  true!  you  look  at 
me  now  with  some  little  interest,  but  at  first  it  was  she  alone 
you  saw.  Not  once  have  you  kissed  my  hands,  yet  it  was 
the  note  they  wrote  which  brought  you  hither,  and,  by  all 
rights,  it  should  have  been  I  you  sought  most  eagerly." 

"  One  does  not  always  exhibit  openly  his  strongest  feel- 
ings  "  I  began,  but  she  would  not  wait  the  finish. 

"  Spare  yourself,  Monsieur ;  I  beg  you  spare  yourself ! " 
and  she  set  her  brown  hair  waving  by  the  fierce  shaking  of 
her  head.  "  Just  as  if  I  cared !  Pish !  this  world  is  crowded 
full  of  men ;  at  least  I  have  ever  found  plenty  where  I  have 
been,  nor  are  they  so  wonderful  that  I  should  feel  envy 
because  Mistress  Alene  has  at  last  discovered  one  who 
deems  her  face  somewhat  fairer  than  my  own.  But  do  you 
truly,  Monsieur  ?  "  and  the  saucy  minx,  forgetful  of  every- 
thing, even  in  that  perilous  hour,  except  her  roguery,  flung 
back  her  hair  coquettishly,  and  flashed  her  dark  eyes  daringly 
into  mine.  "  Tell  me,  do  you  really,  or  is  it  Mademoiselle's 
stately  way,  so  different  from  those  ladies  of  your  own  gay 
nation,  which  has  so  quickly  won  your  heart  ?  " 

Alene's  face  flushed  crimson  at  the  laughing  abandon  of 
these  words,  nor  would  she  front  me  with  her  eyes;  yet  I 
think  it  was  no  light  hand  she  placed  upon  the  other's 
shoulder. 

"  Your  thoughtless  raillery  carries  you  much  too  far,"  she 
said  in  grave  reproach.  "  Monsieur  is  weak  from  wounds, 
nor  am  I  at  present  in  any  mood  to  be  patient  at  such  child- 


'Twixt  Smile  and  Tear  295 

ishness.  God  knows  we  are  not  yet  removed  from  peril,  nor 
are  we  aware  of  how  Captain  de  Coubert  succeeded  in  reach- 
ing us,  or  his  plans  for  our  escape.  It  might  be  best  to 
restrain  your  merriment  until  a  more  fitting  season." 

I  know  not  whether  it  was  these  words  of  reproof,  or 
sight  of  that  deep  gash  in  my  limb,  which  sobered  Rene,  but 
the  gay  gleam  of  laughter  in  her  dark  eyes  turned  suddenly 
to  gravest  concern. 

"  'T  is  an  ugly  cut,  Monsieur ;  what  made  it  ?  " 

"  The  teeth  of  a  dog ;  no  doubt  it  looks  more  serious 
than  it  really  is,  for  though  long  and  ragged,  it  cannot  be 
particularly  deep." 

I  leaned  back  against  that  pile  of  soft  robes,  where  I  might 
easily  watch  their  faces  under  the  flickering  candle-gleam, 
the  quiet  restfulness  of  my  posture  a  welcome  relief  after  the 
awful  strain  I  had  passed  through. 

"  Tell  us  the  entire  tale,  Monsieur,"  spoke  Mademoiselle 
softly,  "  while  we  bathe  and  bandage  your  hurts." 

Rene's  color  was  high  as  I  began  slowly,  striving  to  make 
my  story  as  little  exciting  as  possible,  but  Mistress  Alene 
watched  me  with  troubled  eyes,  her  lips  parted,  her  cheeks 
like  marble.  I  told  it  all  as  simply  as  I  could,  hardly  dwell- 
ing upon  the  manifold  horrors.  When  I  came  to  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Englishman  in  captivity  with  me,  I  hesitated  at 
first  to  make  any  mention  of  his  name,  but  the  sense  of  fair- 
ness appealed  to  me  above  all  other  considerations,  and  I  told 
them  who  he  was.  I  durst  not  glance  toward  Mademoiselle 
as  I  thus  mentioned  the  name,  but  my  eyes  resting  upon 
Rene  marked  how  the  color  instantly  fled  from  her  cheeks, 
her  fingers  ceased  their  ministrations,  while  her  startled 
eyes  turned  in  frightened  appeal  toward  her  companion. 
Nor  was  it  her  ever-ready  voice  which  interrupted  me,  but 
that  of  Mistress  Alene,  trembling  as  from  a  new  horror. 

"  Lieutenant  Challoner,  you  say  ?  Wore  he  the  uniform 
of  the  Forty-seventh  British  Foot  ?  " 


296  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  It  was  badly  torn,  but  of  scarlet  color,  having  gold  and 
white  facings.  I  think  he  mentioned  that  command." 

The  eyes  of  the  two  met  as  though  mutual  sympathy  held 
them  captive. 

"  Monsieur,"  questioned  Rene,  in  a  voice  I  hardly  recog- 
nized, "  was  he  alone  ?  Did  he  say  nothing  about  Lieu- 
tenant Maitland  ?  " 

"  Nothing ;  I  knew  not  Mademoiselle  had  a  brother  at 
Detroit." 

My  eyes  rested  inquiringly  upon  Alene,  but  she  sat  with 
lowered  head  and  silent  lips. 

"  'T  is  strange,"  commented  the  younger  soberly,  "  that 
he  should  not  have  mentioned  the  name;  they  have  always 
been  inseparable  companions." 

Alene  looked  up,  her  eyes  upon  my  face. 

"  I  pray  you  tell  us  all,  Monsieur,"  and  her  hand  reached 
out  and  clasped  that  of  Rene.  "  We  knew  this  young 
Englishman  upon  the  other  side  of  the  water;  he  —  he  was 
a  very  dear  friend,  and  it  truly  seems  more  than  we  can  bear 
to  think  of  him  now  in  such  awful  stress  of  peril." 

I  hurried  forward  with  my  narration,  my  heart  like  lead 
as  I  observed  my  lady's  troubled  face,  white  now  as  though 
stricken  by  death,  the  great  tears  falling  unchecked  from  her 
long  lashes.  Had  I  ever  doubted  the  truth  of  the  Lieuten- 
ant's claim,  that  faint  questioning  left  me  now,  yet  I  told 
his  story  manfully  enough,  choking  back  within  my  own 
breast  every  outward  show  of  feeling.  As  I  drew  to  the  end 
her  lips  moved  as  though  she  would  question  me  further, 
but  for  the  moment  failed  to  utter  a  sound. 

"  And  you  know  not  then,  Monsieur,  whether  he  also 
escaped  ?  "  It  was  Rene,  her  face  hidden  within  her  hands. 

"  I  know  not,  Mademoiselle ;  it  was  nip  and  tuck  with  both 
of  us  just  then.  But  I  do  know  he  was  braced  for  a  spring, 
and  was  of  a  nature  ever  ready  to  fight.  He  had  an  equal 
chance  with  me  to  make  it." 


'Twixt  Smile  and  Tear  297 

"  Was  Lieutenant  Challoner  aware  that  we  were  here,  in 
captivity  to  the  Indians  ? "  my  lady  questioned,  her  voice 
unsteady,  and  I  ventured  to  lift  my  eyes  once  more  to  her 
face. 

"  I  so  informed  him,  Mademoiselle,  and  have  no  doubt 
the  knowledge  will  afford  him  fresh  courage  in  his  endeavors 
to  escape,  and  be  of  aid  to  you.  From  what  little  I  saw  of 
this  Englishman  I  know  him  to  be  a  brave  and  resolute 
man." 

She  arose  to  her  feet  and  came  toward  me,  leaning  over 
and  taking  my  hands  within  her  own.  Carried  away  by  a 
strong  impulse  of  the  heart,  she  cared  nothing  at  such  a 
moment  that  her  cheeks  were  moist  with  tears. 

"  And  you  are  also  a  brave  and  resolute  man,  Captain  de 
Coubert,"  she  exclaimed  gravely.  "  You  are  here  now  for 
our  sakes,  and  at  the  imminent  risk  of  your  own  life.  God 
grant  that  Robert  Challoner  may  be  saved  to  those  who  love 
him,  but  he  would  not  be  pleased  that  we  sit  here  grieving 
for  him  to  the  increase  of  our  own  danger.  Surely,  time  now 
must  be  everything."  She  bent  down  above  Rene,  who  was 
sobbing  softly,  and  lifted  her,  pressing  the  slighter  form 
caressingly  against  her  own.  "  Keep  back  your  tears,  dear 
one,"  she  whispered  tenderly,  stroking  the  dark  hair  with  one 
hand,  "  until  we  know  the  full  truth ;  it  may  be  that  rejoicing 
yet  awaits  us.  At  least  Robert  would  not  wish  either  of  us 
to  break  down  at  such  a  moment  as  this;  our  very  loyalty 
to  him  can  best  be  shown  by  an  exhibition  of  brave  woman- 
hood. Perhaps  our  escape  to-night,  if  it  may  be  accom- 
plished, will  even  lead  directly  to  his  rescue." 

I  watched  in  silence  as  she  pressed  her  face  softly  against 
the  other's  cheek,  soothing  her  companion  as  she  might 
soothe  a  troubled  child;  forcing,  as  it  seemed  to  me,  some 
drops  of  her  own  proud,  undaunted  courage  into  the  veins 
of  that  sobbing  unnerved  girl.  Never  have  I  loved  her  more 
than  then,  when  she  rose  above  the  strain  of  her  own  heart- 


298  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

ache  and  peril,  to  give  of  her  abundant  strength  to  one 
weaker  than  herself.  Yet  never  did  she  appear  farther  away 
from  me,  more  impossible  of  my  winning.  At  last  she 
glanced  up  into  my  face,  her  gray  eyes  filled  with  the  brave 
light  of  endeavor. 

"  Captain  de  Coubert,  every  moment  we  remain  here  must 
surely  decrease  our  chances  of  escape.  Have  you  any 
plan " 

There  was  a  rattling  of  that  iron  ring  in  the  floor  over- 
head. As  I  stared  upward,  the  trap  door  above  us  was 
lifted,  and  the  heavy  foot  of  a  rude  ladder  protruded  itself 
into  the  candlelight. 


CHAPTER   XXIX 

IN   SEARCH   AFTER  THE  FOURTH    MADAME  QUILLERIEZ 

IT  was  quick,  resourceful  Rene,  her  ready  wit  like  a  flash 
of  steel,  who  recovered  first  from  our  momentary  con- 
sternation, swiftly  thrusting  me  backward  out  of  sight  be- 
hind a  supporting  pillar,  and  flinging  over  me  a  robe  as  I 
crouched  there,  her  dark  eyes  instantly  aglow  with  sudden 
excitement.  Mademoiselle  stood  looking  upward,  seemingly 
petrified  by  so  unexpected  an  apparition,  her  lips  parted,  the 
rising  and  falling  of  her  bosom  evidencing  the  depth  of 
agitation  oppressing  her.  Not  until  Rene  touched  her,  whis- 
pering swift,  pregnant  warning  to  her  ears,  did  my  lady  sink 
slowly  back  upon  her  throne  of  robes,  to  bear  her  part  in 
the  scene  to  follow. 

I  could  gain  from  my  hiding-place  hardly  more  than  un- 
certain glimpses  of  what  was  occurring  above.  I  heard  the 
fall  of  the  trap-door,  and  then  perceived,  coming  deliberately 
down  the  ladder,  a  pair  of  short,  stout  legs,  encased  in  buff 
small-clothes  with  gray  stockings.  The  huge  buckles  of  the 
square-toed  shoes  shining  in  the  light,  together  with  the  long 
sword  dangling  noisily  against  the  edge  of  the  ladder,  told 
me  instantly  our  unwelcome  visitant  was  no  less  a  personage 
than  Monsieur  Etienne  Quilleriez.  But  for  the  hot  anger 
stirring  my  heart  at  this  unseemly  interruption,  I  could  have 
laughed  outright  at  the  fellow,  as  he  stood  there  bowing 
deeply  before  those  two  ladies,  his  cocked  hat  grasped  firmly 
in  one  hand,  his  other  pressed  against  his  heart,  his  bald 
head  glowing  in  the  candle-flicker,  while  his  puckered  face 
was  wreathed  into  a  most  engaging  smile.  Saint  Denis! 


300  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

but  he  had  bedecked  himself  as  though  expecting  to  do 
honors  at  a  bridal,  his  gay  ribbons  all  a-flutter,  a  high  stock 
holding  his  long  chin  erect,  and  a  blue  neckerchief,  large 
enough  for  a  sheet,  protruding  gaudily  the  full  width  of  his 
shoulders.  A  gleam  of  intense,  overpowering  amusement 
seemed  to  sweep  the  unshed  tears  from  out  Mademoiselle 
Rene's  eyes  as  she  thus  surveyed  him,  posturing  before  her 
like  a  dancing  master,  his  uncertain  gaze  shifting  from  her 
piquant,  upturned  face  to  that  calm  indifference  with  which 
her  more  silent  companion  looked  upon  his  antics. 

It  was  plainly  enough  to  be  seen,  even  in  that  first  sur- 
prised minute,  the  fellow  felt  deeply  embarrassed  in  such 
company,  but  whether  this  hesitation  originated  within  his 
own  mind,  or  arose  from  the  silent  contempt  of  his  recep- 
tion, I  was  unable  to  determine.  No  doubt  it  was  the  former, 
for  Monsieur  Quilleriez  was  not  a  person  to  question  the 
potency  of  his  own  charms.  Yet  he  very  plainly  hesitated 
now,  his  long,  solemn  face  reddening  beneath  the  steady 
gaze  of  those  two  wondering  girls,  his  lips  seemingly  un- 
able to  frame  the  sentences  he  came  especially  to  speak. 
Faith !  but  he  truly  made  a  picture,  standing  blinking  there 
in  the  dim  light,  his  lips  half  open  to  give  utterance  to  words 
that  would  not  come;  shifting  from  one  foot  to  another, 
yet  constantly  bowing  first  to  one  divinity  and  then  the 
other,  like  some  play-actor  who  had  forgotten  his  lines. 
It  occurred  to  me  all  at  once,  the  possible  cause  of  his 
rare  confusion,  and  I  hastily  stuffed  the  edge  of  the  blanket 
between  my  teeth  to  stifle  sound  of  the  laughter  which 
shook  me  —  he  had  come  there  to  propose;  yet  still  re- 
mained uncertain  as  to  which  of  the  two  was  the  heiress. 
But  Mademoiselle  had  lost  her  small  stock  of  patience  by 
this  time. 

"  Well,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  she  exclaimed  coldly,  "  we 
had  been  led  to  suppose  this  apartment  was  intended  to  be 
our  own  during  the  night,  free  from  all  intrusion.  Such 


Search  after  the  Fourth  Madame  Quilleriez  301 

was  your  pledge.  May  I  ask  is  there  some  special  reason 
why  you  should  thus  force  yourself  upon  us  ?  " 

The  little  man  stopped  in  his  posturing,  as  though  she 
had  unwittingly  pressed  some  hidden  spring  controlling  his 
mechanism. 

"Eh,  bien!"  he  stammered  in  evident  uncertainty,  yet 
pressing  on  with  greater  ease  now  he  had  at  last  found 
his  voice.  "  I  thought  you  both  might  rest  more  easily 
through  the  night  if  I  brought  you  news  regarding  the 
just  fate  of  him  whose  deep  treachery  brought  you  here. 
Let  this  be  the  excuse  for  my  intrusion.  'T  is  indeed  my 
sad  part  to  act,  for  the  time  being  your  jailer,  yet  kind- 
ness was  ever  a  portion  of  my  nature,  and  I  sympathize 
most  tenderly  with  beauty  in  distress.  It  is  all  over  with, 
Mesdemoiselles." 

"  Indeed,  what  do  you  mean  by  that  ?  " 

"  He  has  paid  the  full  penalty  of  deceit."  He  lied  unblush- 
ingly,  his  unwinking  eyes  upon  her.  "  Yet,  as  a  soldier 
myself,  it  is  only  just  for  me  to  state  that  he  met  death  as 
becometh  a  brave  man." 

"  You  say  he  is  dead,  Monsieur.  Do  you  refer  to  that 
French  officer  who  accompanied  us  hither?" 

He  bowed,  his  hand  yet  pressed  close  against  his  heart, 
but  I  noted  that  he  had  the  grace  to  lower  his  eyes  beneath 
the  keen,  inquiring  glance  she  bent  upon  him. 

"  It  was  all  over  with  fully  an  hour  ago.  His  last  words 
were  a  frank  confession  that  he  was  a  mere  adventurer  — 
a  wandering  coureur  de  bois  —  who  hoped  to  share  in  the 
reward  by  thus  delivering  you  up  to  Pontiac." 

I  was  intensely  interested  by  the  varied  expressions  upon 
those  three  faces  before  me  —  Rene's  startled,  yet  evidently 
greatly  amused ;  Mademoiselle's  stern,  her  gray  eyes  grown 
suddenly  dark  with  indignation;  and  Monsieur  Quilleriez, 
his  sober  chin  drawn  down  into  such  eminently  proper 
gravity.  No  one  answered  him,  and  he  went  serenely  on, 


302  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

his  tone  becoming  more  pompous,  and  his  chest  swelling 
out  as  though  the  echo  of  his  high-sounding  words  propor- 
tionately increased  his  feeling  of  importance. 

"  Pardieu,  Mesdemoiselles,  it  was  no  surprise  to  me ;  I 
knew  it  would  prove  so  from  the  first.  The  fellow  had  the 
eye  of  a  criminal,  and  would  never  meet  my  gaze  fairly  — 
no  doubt  he  realized  that  I  suspected  him,  and  trembled 
accordingly.  S acre  I  but  'tis  never  easy  to  fool  6tienne 
Quilleriez.  I  have  seen  men,  and  know  well  their  sly  de- 
ceits. 'T  was  this  knowledge  which  caused  me  to  throw 
myself  so  impetuously  upon  him  at  the  time  of  our  first 
meeting,  and  again  upon  the  trail.  Holy  Mother !  but  I  am 
too  old  a  soldier  to  be  so  rash,  were  not  the  cause  an  excuse 
for  it.  But  for  the  interference  of  those  Indians  I  should 
have  saved  you  even  then  from  all  this  discomfort.  Such 
was  my  sole  purpose;  for  that  I  fearlessly  ventured  my 
life.  Alas,  the  depravity  of  man !  't  is  a  sight  to  make  angels 
weep.  Yet  even  now  I  possess  sufficient  power  to  preserve 
you  both  unharmed." 

"  You,  Monsieur  ?    Then  why  not  execute  it  ?  " 

He  hesitated  at  so  direct  a  query,  a  bit  embarrassed  still  by 
her  calm  scrutiny,  yet  losing  no  whit  of  his  own  importance. 

"  There  is  a  slight  condition  necessary,"  he  admitted  fin- 
ally, playing  nervously  with  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  and 
permitting  his  uneasy,  shifting  eyes  to  stray  toward  the 
more  responsive  face  of  Rene.  "  As  a  high  official  in  the 
councils  of  Pontiac  —  I  may  indeed  say  his  principal  lieu- 
tenant, the  one  upon  whom  he  leans  for  expert  military 
advice  —  I  am  compelled  by  my  sacred  duty  to  guard  safely 
those  prisoners  intrusted  to  my  care.  However  disagreeable 
to  one  of  my  sympathetic  nature,  as  a  faithful  soldier  I 
cannot  shift  my  responsibilities;  yet  even  Pontiac  would 
hardly  venture  to  hold  any  longer  as  prisoners  the  wife  of 
Monsieur  Quilleriez,  and  her  most  intimate  companion." 

The  cat  was  at  last  out  of  the  bag.     I  caught  the  quick, 


Search  after  the  Fourth  Madame  Quilleriez  303 

surprised  glances  flashed  instantly  between  the  two,  the 
gleam  of  merriment  in  the  brown  eyes,  the  glitter  of  scorn 
in  the  gray. 

"  Your  wife,  Monsieur  ?  In  truth  you  greatly  honor  us ; 
yet  from  your  speech  there  remains  some  doubt  as  to  which 
this  gracious  offer  may  be  intended  for  —  your  words  seem 
directed  toward  me,  while  your  eyes  follow  Mademoiselle 
Rene.  It  might  be  well  to  relieve  our  painful  uncertainty." 

The  underlying  sarcasm  in  these  quietly  spoken  words, 
the  intense  indignation  thrilling  through  them,  were  utterly 
wasted  upon  the  fellow.  Yet  he  knew  not  exactly  how  best 
to  gain  that  special  information  he  required  to  guide  more 
definite  speech,  and  twisted  uneasily,  his  face  a  picture  of 
perplexity  as  he  surveyed  them. 

"  Pardieu !  't  is  indeed  most  difficult  to  determine,  Mes- 
demoiselles,"  he  confessed  at  last.  "  Like  the  ball  in  la- 
crosse I  am  driven  backward  and  forward  by  beholding 
so  much  beauty.  'T  is  a  choice  such  as  would  try  the  heart 
of  any  man,  susceptible  as  am  I  to  female  loveliness.  Pos- 
sibly before  we  decide  upon  so  momentous  a  matter  it  would 
be  as  well  for  me  to  lay  before  you  both  certain  documents 
I  possess  of  interest  and  value." 

He  fumbled  solemnly  within  the  breast  of  his  coat,  and 
finally  drew  forth  two  papers,  both  deeply  creased  and  some- 
what soiled  from  much  handling.  Holding  these  closely  in 
his  fingers,  his  eyes  shifted  from  the  one  girl  to  the  other. 
He  must  have  decided  upon  Rene  as  best  adapted  to  his 
purpose,  for  he  stepped  suddenly  forward  and  extended  the 
papers  toward  her. 

"  Kindly  read  these  aloud,  Mademoiselle,  so  that  both 
may  comprehend  their  import,"  he  said,  with  a  low  bow, 
sweeping  the  earthen  floor  with  his  hat.  "  'T  is  few  enough 
in  these  degenerate  days  who  could  produce  testimonials  of 
such  value." 

She  accepted  them  gingerly,  her  dark  eyes  filled  with 


304  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

wonderment.  I  saw  her  glance  at  the  writing,  her  lips 
trembling.  Then  she  looked  up  once  more  into  that  sol- 
emnly observant  face. 

"  I  do  not  wholly  comprehend,"  she  said  doubtingly. 
"  This  sounds  most  odd  —  am  I  to  read  it  aloud,  exactly 
as  it  is  written,  Monsieur  ?  " 

"  Word  for  word,"  and  he  expanded  his  chest  proudly. 
"  I  would  have  you  both  realize  the  true  value  of  him  who 
now  bows  humbly  before  you." 

She  read  slowly,  no  doubt  experiencing  some  difficulty 
in  deciphering  the  strange  handwriting,  her  clear  voice,  as 
she  proceeded,  thrilling  to  the  utter  absurdity  of  the  whole 
thing,  while  Monsieur  Quilleriez  watched  her  with  solemn 
admiration. 

"  This  writing  certifies  that  Monsieur  Etienne  Quilleriez,  of  Pointe 
Rocher,  has  been  my  true  and  loyal  husband  for  the  space  of  three 
years  and  seven  months,  we  having  been  duly  joined  together  by  the 
parish  priest  at  Three  Rivers,  according  to  rites  of  Holy  Church,  10 
July,  1742.  I  do  hereby,  of  my  own  free  will  and  desire,  confess  him 
a  good  provider,  and  most  entertaining  companion. 

"JOSETTE  QUILLERIEZ." 

Monsieur  Quilleriez  nodded  gravely,  and  with  approval, 
as  the  puzzled  girls  glanced  curiously  up  into  his  face, 
then  deliberately  extracted  a  huge  red  handkerchief  from 
out  the  interior  of  his  hat. 

"  She  —  she  was  the  first,"  he  said  solemnly,  wiping  his 
eyes.  "  That  was  given  the  night  before  she  died  —  it  was 
a  fever,  and  the  doctor  had  broken  his  leg  and  could  n't 
come." 

"  The  first  ?  Do  you  truly  mean  she  was  your  wife, 
Monsieur?" 

"  Ay,  a  most  sweet  and  tender  bud  in  her  younger  days, 
but  later  developing  a  temper  which  I  was  often  compelled 
to  humor  from  love  of  peace  in  the  family.  She  was  so 


Search  after  the  Fourth  Madame  Quilleriez  305 

weak  that  only  her  great  affection  for  me  enabled  her  to 
write  her  name  thereon." 

"  But  the  handwriting  ?  surely  't  is  not  all  the  same, 
Monsieur  ?  " 

"  True ;  the  first  portion  is  my  own.  A  very  pretty  script 
even  then,  although  I  have  improved  greatly  since.  It  was 
to  be  regretted,  but  poor  Josette  had  been  much  neglected 
in  her  earlier  years,  and  could  barely  spell  her  own  name. 
Her  father  was  a  fur-trader  along  the  Ottawa,  and  not 
greatly  given  to  books.  To  me,  with  my  passion  for  learn- 
ing, and  genial  social  disposition,  it  was  quite  embarrassing 
at  times,  Mademoiselle,  as  you  will  readily  conceive,  yet  I 
bore  it  with  patience,  for  it  was  not  her  fault,  and  she  truly 
loved  me." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  tell  us  that  your  poor  wife  signed  such 
a  paper  as  that  upon  her  deathbed,  Monsieur  ?  "  broke  in 
Alene,  her  face  exhibiting  her  surprise  and  indignation. 

"  It  was  a  pleasure  to  her  at  that  moment  of  final  de- 
parture from  the  vain  things  of  earth  to  attest  thus  her 
abiding  love,"  he  answered  meekly,  turning  toward  this 
new  questioner  as  though  welcoming  the  interruption,  re- 
joicing at  the  interest  thus  awakened.  "  Although  unable 
to  speak,  her  eyes  evidenced  the  comfort  it  brought.  The 
delirium  had  left  her,  Mademoiselle,  and  she  had  fully  re- 
gained her  normal  mind.  It  is  often  so  in  cases  of  fever." 

He  turned  again  to  face  the  hesitating  Rene,  his  whole 
appearance  that  of  easy  complacency,  although  he  yet  held 
his  handkerchief  pressed  against  his  eyes. 

"  Will  you  also  kindly  read  aloud  the  contents  of  the 
second  paper,  Mademoiselle.  I  pray  you  pardon  my  deep 
agitation,  but  all  this  brings  before  me  so  many  tender 
recollections  of  the  past." 

"  We  could  spare  you  the  necessity,  Monsieur." 

He  waved  his  hands  as  though  thus  casting  the  tempta- 
tion from  him. 

20 


306  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  No,  Mademoiselle,  't  is  but  a  moment  of  weakness,  nor 
is  it  wholly  without  pleasure,  the  remembrance  of  good 
deeds  done.  I  beg  you  read  on,  and  I  will  strive  to  exer- 
cise greater  control  over  myself." 

She  opened  the  paper  slowly,  struggling,  as  I  could  plainly 
perceive,  to  smother  a  strong  inclination  to  laugh  outright  in 
his  face. 

"  Why,  this  is  the  same,  Monsieur." 

"  Not  altogether ;  there  will  be  found  a  slight  change  in 
the  wording,  for  I  possess  just  pride  in  the  employment  of 
different  phraseology.  'T  is  a  poor  scholar  who  repeats 
even  the  same  thought  twice  exactly  alike.  You  will  also 
detect  a  variation  in  the  signature,  as  well  as  the  dates. 
Pray  read  on,  Mademoiselle." 

"This  paper  bears  witness  that  I,  Marie  Croteau,  of  Saint  Regis, 
was  united  in  the  Holy  Bonds  of  Matrimony  to  Monsieur  Etienne  Quil- 
leriez  by  the  Abbd  in  charge  of  that  parish,  23  October,  1747,  and  that 
he  has  ever  since  been  a  faithful  husband  and  father.  I  especially 
commend  him  for  the  possession  of  a  loving  heart,  and  an  agreeable 
presence.  I  have  also  found  him  most  liberal. 

"MARIE   QUILLERIEZ." 

"  You  see,  ladies,"  and  he  lifted  his  hands  as  if  in  bene- 
diction, "  it  is  ever  the  same ;  no  tender  heart  has  aught 
to  fear  from  trusting  in  6tienne  Quilleriez." 

"  And  did  she  also  affix  her  signature  to  such  a  document 
while  upon  the  deathbed  ?  " 

"  Ah  —  ah,  well,  not  exactly,  Mademoiselle,"  and  he 
stammered  slightly,  as  from  excess  of  feeling.  "You  see 
it  was  during  a  sickness,  and  I  thought  it  would  be  better 
to  have  it  safely  executed,  lest  she  might  not  recover.  It 
was  eight  months  later  when  she  caught  the  cold  which  left 
me  a  widower.  But,  believe  me,  her  heart  was  just  as  true 
until  the  last." 

"  You  have  been  twice  married  then,  Monsieur  ?  " 


Search  after  the  Fourth  Madame  Quilleriez  307 

He  stopped  instantly  in  his  posturing,  and  had  recourse 
once  again  to  his  handkerchief. 

"  Three  times,  Mademoiselle ;  there  was  also  Toinette 
La  France,  a  most  vivacious  spirit." 

"  But  there  are  only  two  certificates  here.  Would  she  not 
sign,  Monsieur?  or,  terrible  thought,  can  it  be  that  you  are 
yet  married,  and  venture  to  approach  us  with  words  of 
love?" 

"  Non,  non,  Mademoiselle ;  it  was  not  that ;  it  was  my 
misfortune.  Alas!  'twas  not  the  fault  of  poor  Toinette, 
for  never  was  husband  more  beloved.  She  could  scarcely 
live  out  of  my  sight,  but  she  fell  down  the  cellar  stairs  while 
I  was  away  in  the  north,  and  died  that  same  evening.  Had 
those  with  her  but  known,  there  was  such  a  certificate  ready 
drawn  within  my  writing  desk,  and  it  would  have  proven 
such  a  comfort  to  her  could  she  only  have  signed  it.  As 
it  is,  you  must  take  my  word,"  and  he  lifted  his  shoulders, 
and  spread  his  hands  appealingly. 

For  a  moment  there  was  profound  silence.  It  was  plain 
to  be  seen  that  all  this  greatly  amused  Rene,  while  it  was 
much  more  of  an  annoyance  to  Mademoiselle.  Monsieur 
Quilleriez,  confident  in  the  deep  impression  he  had  made, 
hesitated  to  press  his  advantage,  confused  still  between  the 
claims  of  the  two. 

"  And  you  really  seek  after  yet  another  to  share  your 
home,"  questioned  Rene,  her  dark  eyes  bubbling  over,  "  but 
know  not  which  of  us  you  desire  the  most  ?  Fie,  Monsieur ; 
I  should  be  afraid  you  would  prove  fickle  at  heart,  if  the 
decision  is  so  difficult.  Besides,  there  would  be  matters  I 
should  wish  to  know  about,  if,  by  any  chance,  your  final 
choice  should  fall  upon  me.  You  hinted  gently  at  having 
children,  Monsieur;  how  large  is  that  brood  I  might  then 
be  expected  to  mother?" 

"  There  are  five  olive  branches  living,"  he  responded 
gravely,  but  with  his  eyes  shifting  uneasily  from  the  face 


308  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

of  his  questioner  to  that  other  which  did  not  smile,  "  but 
the  oldest  has  reached  an  age  which  will  remove  him  from 
consideration.  They  are  all  most  dutiful  and  obedient  chil- 
dren ;  in  personal  appearance  they  greatly  resemble  me,  pos- 
sessing my  sympathetic  disposition,  and  being  talented 
socially.  You  would  enjoy  being  with  them." 

He  paused  as  if  waiting  for  some  fresh  word  of  encour- 
agement, but  Mademoiselle  merely  stared  at  him  as  though 
he  had  been  some  animal  utterly  beneath  contempt,  while 
it  was  plain  enough  Rene  durst  not  unlock  her  lips  lest  she 
emit  a  peal  of  laughter.  I  saw  the  fellow  choke  down  a 
lump  in  his  throat,  and  step  forward,  evidently  determined 
at  last  to  put  his  fate  to  the  touch. 

"  Fair  maids  of  England,"  he  began,  his  face  reddening, 
and  perspiration  commencing  to  bead  his  forehead,  "  I  have 
placed  all  this  privately  before  you  in  order  that  you  might 
fully  realize  the  loving  and  pliable  nature  of  the  one  who 
now  lays  his  life  at  your  feet.  Seeing  me,  as  you  have 
heretofore,  arrayed  in  the  grim  garb  of  war,  and  intimately 
associated  with  ferocious  savages  upon  the  warpath,  you 
may  have  deemed  me  unduly  bloodthirsty,  and  I  therefore 
felt  it  better  to  afford  you  a  glimpse  of  my  more  quiet  and 
domestic  virtues,  as  an  aid  to  your  final  decision.  And  — 
and  I  trust  you  will  not  permit  the  slight  difference  in 
nationality  to  remain  as  a  bar  between  us.  What  could  be 
a  fairer  picture  than  the  draping  together  of  the  red  banner 
with  the  fleur  de  lisf  It  might  even  make  for  peace  between 
the  nations  when  it  became  noised  abroad  that  I,  Etienne 
Quilleriez,  Intendant  Militaire  for  Pontiac,  had  espoused  an 
English  Colonel's  daughter." 

"  Ah,  then,"  Rene  exclaimed,  her  laughter  rippling  forth 
like  a  bird  song,  and  springing  to  her  feet  as  if  unable  to 
remain  quiet  any  longer,  "  so  it  is  the  English  Colonel's 
daughter  you  seek  for  the  honor  of  becoming  the  fourth 
Madame  Quilleriez?  Poof!  and  you  know  not  which  of 


Search  after  the  Fourth  Madame  Quilleriez  309 

us  two  that  may  be?  Do  not  look  at  me  like  that,  Mon- 
sieur, for  if  you  knew  well  the  English  people,  you  would 
be  aware  that  such  a  hoydenish  romp  as  I  could  never  by 
any  chance  hope  to  grace  the  peerage  of  that  proud  and 
dignified  nation.  But  reflect,  Monsieur,  with  what  gra- 
ciousness  and  charm  Mademoiselle  yonder  would  preside  in 
Castle  Quilleriez,  and  with  what  tender  care  she  would 
minister  unto  your  infant  progeny.  How  can  you  longer 
hesitate,  and  waste  your  words  and  bows  upon  so  insig- 
nificant a  little  commoner  as  I?" 

I  doubt  if  the  smirking  creature  even  heard  her  raillery; 
he  had  caught  enough,  however,  to  solve  his  last  lingering 
doubts  as  to  which  of  these  two  was  the  English  heiress; 
and  as  Alene  rose  indignantly  to  her  feet,  her  cheeks  aflame, 
her  eyes  glowing,  he  flung  himself  directly  in  front  of  her 
upon  his  knees,  his  hand  pressing  his  heart,  his  eyes  plead- 
ingly upturned. 

"  Mademoiselle,  it  is  I,  Etienne  Quilleriez,  who  thus  places 
at  your  feet  his  heart  and  hand,"  he  exclaimed  anxiously. 
"  Spurn  me  not !  for  never  before  —  I  swear  it  —  have  my 
affections  gone  fully  and  fervently  forth  to  one  of  your  sex ; 
nor  deem  me  unworthy  of  such  an  alliance,  for  the  blood  of 
Quilleriez  is  among  the  noblest  of  France.  I,  Mademoiselle, 
I,  who  now  kneel  humbly  before  you,  am  third  cousin  to  a 
Marquis,  and  have  gazed  upon  the  face  of  the  King.  I 
pray  you  smile  upon  me,  fair  mistress!  It  is  a  soldier,  a 
man  of  wealth  and  influence,  who  thus  prostrates  himself 
for  your  favor;  no  penniless  adventurer,  but  one  connected 
by  ties  of  blood  with  the  ancient  noblesse  of  France,  the 
rulers  of  kingdoms." 

For  the  moment,  as  he  rattled  on,  his  tongue  faltering 
in  choice  of  words,  my  lady  gazed  down  upon  him  in  dis- 
dain, her  lips  parted  as  if  she  would  hush  his  clamor,  her 
dress  drawn  back  that  it  might  not  be  polluted  by  his  touch. 
She  towered  above  that  kneeling  wretch  like  some  fair 


3io  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

statue,  her  fingers  clinched,  her  gray  eyes  open  wide  with 
the  speechless  indignation  that  held  her.  Then  suddenly  she 
moved,  her  resolution  taken,  her  contempt  driving  her  into 
action.  Grasping  the  robe  on  which  she  had  been  sitting, 
with  one  hasty  movement  she  cast  it  over  the  head  of  the 
half  prostrate  Commissary,  smothering  that  surprised  and 
ardent  suitor  beneath  its  thick,  enveloping  folds,  and  bear- 
ing him,  kicking  and  sputtering,  to  the  floor.  With  one 
swift  leap  from  out  my  concealment  I  sprang  past  her,  and 
flinging  myself  prone  across  the  struggling  hero,  shut  off 
instantly  his  feeble  cry  for  help. 


CHAPTER  XXX 

IN    THE   ROOM    ABOVE 

THAT  upturned  face  of  Monsieur  Quilleriez  was  cer- 
tainly a  sight  when  I  first  whipped  the  heavy  robe 
off  him,  and,  blinking  from  the  light,  he  looked  up  and  saw 
me.  His  skin  became  a  dirty  yellow,  and  his  teeth  chattered 
like  castanets,  but  he  read  that  within  my  eyes  which  held 
him  dumb.  He  was  so  like  a  helpless  baby  I  hated  to  do  it, 
but  our  future  safety  made  it  necessary,  so  I  tied  the  fellow 
tightly  with  his  back  against  a  post,  securely  gagging  him 
with  one  end  of  a  blanket.  I  should  surely  have  laughed 
at  the  odd  sight  he  made,  his  goggle  eyes  following  my 
every  movement,  his  solemn  face  piteous  in  its  mute  en- 
treaty, had  I  not  read  in  Mademoiselle's  compassionate  eyes 
that  growing  sympathy  with  which  she  regarded  him.  Pish ! 
I  felt  as  little  pity  for  the  cowardly  rascal  as  though  I  had 
strapped  up  a  venomous  snake. 

I  would  have  appropriated  his  sword,  only  the  belt  was 
not  sufficiently  large  for  my  girth,  and  I  cared  not  to  be 
burdened  with  bearing  the  naked  blade  in  my  hand,  so  con- 
tented myself  with  slipping  his  hunting-knife  into  my  waist- 
band. It  was  a  fair  piece  of  steel,  and  its  leather-bound  hilt 
felt  pleasant  to  the  grip  of  my  fingers.  Certain  then  as  to 
the  security  of  our  prisoner  I  prepared  for  action. 

"  Mademoiselle,"  I  asked,  turning  toward  Rene,  "  was  there 
any  meaning  in  those  words  of  your  note  regarding  an  open- 
ing thorugh  the  earth  wall,  enabling  you  to  see  the  sky  ?  " 

She  shrugged  her  rounded  shoulders  as  a  French  woman 
might,  and  made  a  little  pout  at  the  distressed  Canadian 
hanging  in  his  bonds  like  a  trussed  fowl. 


312  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  There  was  at  the  time,  Monsieur,  for  I  worked  that 
hickory  pole  through  until  it  protruded  without.  But  the 
hole  has  been  filled  up  since,  and  the  earth  trampled  down 
tight.  'T  is  hardly  probable  that  poor  simpleton  yonder  ever 
discovered  my  meaning;  he  must  have  shown  the  note  to 
another  who  possessed  some  brains." 

Monsieur  Quilleriez  wriggled  uncomfortably,  while  the 
expression  of  his  eyes  was  not  pleasant. 

"  Anyway  the  time  it  would  require  to  tunnel  through  is 
more  than  we  can  spare,"  I  commented  decisively.  "  Know 
you  any  other  passage  leading  out,  except  through  the  trap 
door?" 

"  None,  Monsieur."  And  as  I  turned  to  Mistress  Alene 
she  answered  my  questioning  eyes  with  a  grave  shake  of  the 
head. 

"  Then  I  shall  try  that,  but  it  must  be  attempted  with 
caution,  for  there  were  guards  without  as  I  came  hither. 
Both  of  you  stand  here,  close  beside  the  foot  of  the  ladder, 
so  that  you  may  keep  your  hands  upon  it  in  the  dark.  I 
am  going  to  extinguish  the  light." 

For  an  instant  we  stood  thus  close  together,  and  our  eyes 
met. 

"  You  have  regained  trust  in  me  ?  "  I  questioned  anxiously. 
"  You  will  do  exactly  as  I  say  ?  " 

Rene  nodded  silently,  the  roses  already  fled  from  her 
plump  cheeks,  as  she  began  to  realize  the  importance  of 
the  moment,  but  Mademoiselle  placed  her  hand  confidingly 
within  mine. 

"  We  will  fail  you  in  nothing,  Monsieur,"  she  returned 
softly.  "  You  have  proven  your  worth." 

My  heart  gave  a  great  bound  as  I  bent  low  over  her 
white  fingers.  It  seemed  so  much  when  she  unbent  thus 
graciously;  it  was  as  if  a  queen  had  praised  me. 

"  The  knowledge  of  such  confidence  will  nerve  me  to  meet 
more  bravely  whatever  of  peril  may  lurk  in  our  path,"  I 


"   T  FELT  as  little  pity  for  the  cowardly  rascal  as  though 
I  had  strapped  up  a  venomous  snake."  —  Pare  ?// 


In  the  Room  Above  313 

said  soberly.  "  I  am  going  up  now  to  discover  if  the  way 
is  clear,  and  if  not,  to  clear  it.  You  will  remain  exactly 
where  you  are,  and  in  silence,  until  I  call  from  above. 
Then  join  me  at  once,  making  as  little  noise  as  possible." 

I  cast  one  quick,  final  glance  about  that  dingy  hole,  mark- 
ing Monsieur  Quilleriez's  staring  face  as  the  light  flickered 
over  it,  as  well  as  the  courage  which  spoke  in  the  brown 
and  the  gray  eyes  close  beside  me.  Then  I  bent,  extin- 
guishing the  candle-flame,  and  began  my  upward  climb 
through  the  intense  darkness.  Holding  the  kinfe-blade 
gripped  tightly  between  my  teeth,  I  tested  carefully  each 
rung  of  that  short  ladder  before  venturing  my  weight  upon 
it,  until  at  last  my  head  came  in  contact  with  the  floor 
above.  I  could  hear  Monsieur  Quilleriez  breathing  heavily 
in  that  blackness  beneath,  and  caught  the  faint  sound  of  a 
whisper  at  the  foot  of  the  ladder.  But  overhead  there  was 
no  movement  to  awaken  alarm,  and,  as  silently  as  possible, 
I  uplifted  the  heavy  trap,  and  protruded  my  head  cautiously 
above  the  floor  level.  The  room  was  unlighted,  a  desolate 
weight  of  gloom  enshrouding  everything.  The  night  with- 
out must  have  been  darkened  by  clouds,  for  not  the  faintest 
ray  of  light  came  to  relieve  the  thick  darkness  of  that  in- 
terior. I  could  not  even  distinguish  the  door  leading  to  the 
open;  apparently  the  black  shadows  of  the  near-by  wood 
obscured  it  as  by  a  curtain.  Yet  I  was  reasonably  assured 
as  to  one  thing  —  no  living  creature  moved  within  the  room. 
If  guards  there  were,  they  must  be  stationed  without,  for 
that  veiled  interior  was  wrapped  in  a  cloak  of  silence  so 
profound  as  to  be  impressive.  Thoroughly  convinced  that 
I  was  alone  within,  I  drew  my  body  up,  and  lowered  the 
trap  back  into  its  place,  purposing  to  prospect  further  be- 
fore calling  those  below  to  join  me.  I  stood  there  peering 
about  a  moment,  feeling  decidedly  uncertain  just  where  the 
door  should  be,  and  unable  to  perceive  so  much  as  the  form 
of  my  hand  when  held  before  me.  So  dark  it  was,  and 


314  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

silent,  that  the  solemn,  black  mystery  of  it  caused  my 
strained  nerves  to  tingle,  and  I  clinched  my  teeth  savagely 
on  the  knife-blade  to  hold  myself  steady.  Then  all  at  once 
a  voice  addressed  me,  bursting  upon  my  startled  ears  from 
out  the  intense  stillness  like  a  clap  of  thunder,  and  send- 
ing my  blood  racing  hotly  through  the  veins. 

"  Man  Dieu!  but  you  are  cautious  enough  about  it.  One 
might  suppose  you  had  just  murdered  somebody  down 
below." 

I  stood  straining  forward,  my  every  muscle  tense,  vainly 
endeavoring  to  locate  the  speaker,  half  believing,  even  in  that 
first  surprised  moment,  the  coarse  voice  was  not  entirely 
unknown  to  me. 

"  Damn  you,  you  little  whiffler !  "  the  fellow  cried  again, 
and  I  could  hear  him  get  upon  his  feet  in  evident  anger  at 
my  silence.  "  Why  don't  ye  answer  me  ?  What  said  the 
girl  to  your  fool  proposition  ?  " 

There  was  no  doubting  any  longer  who  confronted  me. 
I  had  heard  that  bullying  tone,  that  bravado  of  utterance 
before.  Man  Dieu!  how  my  heart  leaped  with  rejoicing,  as 
the  keen  knife  slipped  from  between  my  lips,  and  my  eager 
fingers  closed  firmly  about  its  strong  hilt.  Every  blow 
struck  me  by  the  savages,  the  claws  of  that  great  dog,  those 
hours  of  mental  torture,  each  foul  indignity  offered  to  Made- 
moiselle, swept  across  my  memory  like  billows  of  flame,  and 
I  could  feel  the  muscles  swell  in  my  arms  as  I  crouched 
lower  amid  the  darkness,  striving  to  make  certain  of  just 
where  he  stood.  There  was  no  thought  in  my  mind  other 
than  of  struggle  —  struggle  to  the  death.  I  thirsted  for  it, 
hungered  for  it,  my  brain  a  volcano  of  passion,  fanned  into 
instant  flame  by  the  very  sound  of  that  hated  voice  —  the 
voice  of  Black  Peter. 

"Bon  Dieu!  the  vixen  must  have  smitten  you  dumb," 
he  growled  savagely.  "  But  when  I  once  get  hand  on  you 
there  will  be  noise  enough." 


In  the  Room  Above  315 

I  knew  he  was  groping  his  way  directly  toward  me,  for 
I  could  distinguish  the  continual  rumbling  of  his  voice,  but 
I  did  not  move,  trusting  thus  to  get  a  good  grip  upon  him 
before  his  uncertain  hand  should  succeed  in  touching  me. 
His  moccasined  feet  made  no  sound  along  the  boards,  and, 
although  I  crouched  low,  I  could  gain  no  glimpse  of  any 
deeper  shadow  bespeaking  the  near  presence  of  his  body. 
So  densely  dark  was  it  that  he  found  me  first,  his  extended 
hand,  as  he  felt  his  doubtful  way,  coming  into  sudden  con- 
tact with  my  uplifted  arm.  As  I  felt  him  I  struck,  but  my 
knife,  with  no  visible  point  to  aim  at,  did  no  more  than 
slash  the  cloth  of  his  coat.  With  a  snarling  oath  he  took 
one  hasty  step  backward. 

"  What 's  got  into  .the  little  fool  ?  "  he  demanded,  so  as- 
tonished as  to  neglect  all  caution.  "  Mon  Dieu!  Quilleriez, 
do  you  dare  try  to  knife  me  ?  " 

"  You  have  another  opponent  than  Quilleriez,"  I  said 
sternly,  willing  enough  now  he  should  know  who  faced  him. 
"  This  is  like  to  be  the  fight  of  your  life,  Monsieur." 

I  heard  the  quick  gasp  of  overwhelming  astonishment 
which  burst  from  his  lips,  an  oath,  the  sharp  tingle  of  steel 
as  he  hastily  drew  blade,  and,  guided  by  these  few  faint 
sounds,  I  flung  myself  recklessly  forward,  my  knife  seek- 
ing viciously  after  his  body.  Once  I  touched  him,  on  the 
cheek  I  think;  once  he  slashed  me  along  the  forearm,  and 
once  our  blades  clashed  together,  the  steel  hilts  clanging  as 
we  struggled  fiercely  to  press  past  each  other's  guard.  But 
this  was  no  more  than  the  work  of  seconds,  and  then,  sud- 
denly, he  slipped  away  from  before  me,  crouching  down  in 
the  darkness  beyond  reach  of  my  arm. 

Mon  Dieu!  it  was  not  overly  pleasant  blindly  groping 
there  before  the  sharp  bite  of  a  knife,  yet  at  that  moment 
I  was  not  conscious  of  any  fear  —  my  intense  hatred  of  that 
treacherous  hound  swept  everything  from  my  brain,  saving 
the  one  overmastering  desire  to  kill  him.  He  might,  indeed, 


316  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

wound  me,  but  I  swore  it  should  happen  only  after  my  blade 
had  been  sheaved  in  his  heart.  It  was  this  mad  yearning 
which  kept  me  aggressive,  lunging  recklessly  forward  into 
the  gloom,  groping  blindly  here  and  there  as  I  moved  on, 
in  vague  hope  he  might  yet  lurk  somewhere  within  that 
wider  sweep  of  the  arm.  But  the  coward  had  slunk  back- 
ward, stealing  away  silently  in  his  soft  moccasins  toward 
the  wall,  seeking,  no  doubt,  to  elude  me  under  cover  of  the 
darkness.  He  would  knife  me  if  he  could,  I  had  no  doubt 
as  to  that,  yet  if  attempted  at  all  it  was  very  certain  to  be 
in  some  sneaking,  cowardly  fashion.  It  was  not  in  that 
half-breed  to  fight  fairly,  and  I  paused  irresolute,  my  arm 
uplifted  on  guard,  my  every  instinct  alert  to  detect  his 
slightest  movement. 

I  thought  I  distinguished  the  faint  sound  of  breathing 
just  in  front  of  me,  and  took  one  quick  step  in  that  direc- 
tion, my  knife  held  ready  for  the  lunge.  Then  a  board 
creaked  at  my  right,  and  I  leaped  backward,  crouching  as 
I  wheeled.  Almost  with  this  motion  his  probable  purpose 
came  flashing  into  mind  —  he  would  steal  toward  the  door 
and  seek  help  without;  it  was  not  in  his  mongrel  blood  to 
dare  alone  such  desperate  battle.  I  could  perceive  nothing 
to  guide  me,  no  star-shine  without,  no  rustling  of  leaves,  no 
breath  of  fresher  air;  and  the  moving  here  and  there 
through  that  dense  gloom  had  confused  me.  Yet  the  chance 
must  be  taken,  and,  led  somewhat  by  the  direction  of  that 
noisy  board,  I  dashed  impetuously  forward,  my  hands  ex- 
tended to  protect  from  injury,  and  so  came  against  the  log 
wall.  Sacre!  how  still  it  was!  I  held  my  breath,  fearful 
lest  even  that  faint  sound  might  serve  to  betray  me,  for 
there  is  a  hush  so  profound  as  to  be  a  pain.  I  peered  about 
me  vainly  —  the  very  wall  against  which  I  leaned  was  in- 
visible; the  darkness  made  my  eyes  ache,  and  red  globes 
seemed  dancing  before  them.  I  knew  not  which  way  to 
turn  in  order  to  intercept  him ;  I  was  not  seeking  to  avoid, 


In  the  Room  Above  317 

but  crouched  there  praying  that  some  sound  might  yield  me 
a  clew  in  guidance.  All  our  hope  of  escape  rested  on  his 
not  being  permitted  to  leave  that  room  alive. 

Suddenly,  as  if  a  rifle  had  cracked  in  my  ear,  a  latch 
rattled.  Instantly  I  comprehended  the  cause  for  such  in- 
tense darkness  —  the  outer  door  had  been  closed.  I  leaped 
forward,  utterly  reckless  as  to  my  own  safety,  struck  heavily 
against  an  obstructing  bench,  yet,  even  as  I  staggered  to  the 
fall,  my  clutching  fingers  touched  cloth,  and  closed  desper- 
ately upon  it.  The  fellow  kicked  me  fairly  in  the  face,  but 
I  hung  grimly  on.  He  crashed  the  door  back  upon  its 
hinges,  and  plunged  down  the  single  step,  dragging  me 
after  him.  It  was  there,  just  outside,  that  I  flung  him, 
snarling  like  a  wild  cat,  sprawling  upon  the  earth.  Squirm- 
ing about,  until  we  lay  face  to  face,  we  clutched  each  other 
for  the  death  struggle.  Saint  Guise !  I  could  see  him  now 
in  the  faint  light,  and  that  hated  face  was  to  me  the  tocsin 
of  war.  Once  before  I  had  witnessed  it  seamed  with  angry 
passion;  now  it  was  so  distorted  by  mingled  ferocity  and 
fear  as  to  be  scarcely  recognizable.  He  held  to  his  knife, 
but  the  violence  of  the  fall  had  wrenched  mine  from  me. 
With  eyes  glaring  into  mine,  his  lips  giving  utterance  to  a 
bitter  oath,  he  struck  savagely,  the  keen  blade  sinking  deep 
within  the  flesh  of  my  shoulder.  Instantly  I  grappled  him, 
my  fingers  closing  viselike  about  his  throat,  my  body  pressed 
so  firmly  against  his  own  as  to  prevent  his  withdrawing  the 
steel  from  the  wound.  I  hardly  felt  the  hurt  of  it  in  that 
moment  of  desperate  struggle,  yet  it  must  have  weakened 
me,  in  connection  with  all  else  I  had  passed  through,  for 
the  half-breed  won. 

Mon  Dieu!  I  fought  for  it,  feeling  that  terrible  heart- 
sickness  of  despair  sweep  across  me  while  he  pressed  me 
remorselessly  over,  his  fresh,  giant  strength  more  than  I 
could  successfully  combat.  I  clung  to  him  like  a  leech, 
winding  my  legs  about  him,  so  that  he  was  compelled  to 


3i8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

fairly  tear  me  loose.  I  disputed  every  inch,  as  he  bore  me 
steadily  downward,  striving  madly  to  wrench  his  throat 
from  out  the  clutch  of  my  fingers.  With  a  growl  of  hate 
he  at  last  plucked  his  knife  free,  and  my  eyes  caught  the 
cruel  glimmer  of  it  uplifted  for  another  blow.  With  the 
strength  of  desperation  I  wrenched  partially  free  from  his 
grip,  and  with  clinched  hand  struck  the  upraised  wrist. 
The  knife  hilt  slipped  from  out  the  paralyzed  fingers, 
and  I  broke  away  from  him,  staggering  backward  against 
the  log  wall,  faint  and  trembling,  yet  with  no  thought  of 
flight. 

Like  a  maddened  bull  he  leaped  to  his  feet,  the  knife 
once  again  gleaming  in  his  hand,  his  head  lowered  for  the 
rush  forward.  It  was  then  I  discerned  a  second  figure 
scarce  more  than  a  yard  away,  a  huge,  dense  shadow  in  the 
gloom,  with  what  appeared  a  rifle  flung  forward  in  his 
hands,  as  if  the  fellow  knew  not  which  of  us  two  was  enemy 
or  friend.  My  heart  sank  within  me,  while  I  backed  closer 
against  the  wall,  my  teeth  set  for  the  unequal  struggle,  de- 
termined to  die  there  fighting.  The  half-breed  perceived 
this  newcomer  at  the  same  moment,  and  it  was  his  eager 
voice,  thrilling  with  victory,  which  ended  the  strain  of 
doubt. 

"  Ah !  and  is  it  you,  Francois  ?  "  he  cried  gruffly.  "  But 
you  have  been  long  enough  getting  here.  Jab  that  fellow 
back  with  your  gun  barrel,  until  I  carve  my  name  on  him 
with  this  knife." 

The  man  had  swung  up  his  rifle  as  though  it  were  a  club, 
and  taken  a  step  forward,  but  as  these  words  rang  out,  he 
stopped  suddenly,  wheeled  about  to  front  the  speaker,  and 
in  that  instant  the  gun  fell  with  a  sickening  thud,  and  the 
gloating  half-breed  pitched  forward  at  my  feet,  dead  before 
he  struck  the  ground. 

"  Saint  Andrew !  "  exclaimed  the  man,  glancing  from  the 
motionless  body  toward  me,  as  if  doubting  my  intentions. 


In  the  Room  Above  319 

"  I  know  not  who  you  may  be,  but  I  know  the  voice  of  that 
Black  Peter!  He  will  sell  flesh  and  blood  no  more." 

I  reeled  against  the  logs  to  keep  from  falling,  sick  from 
the  reaction,  my  heart  panting,  my  lips  wide  open,  my  tongue 
utterly  unable  to  articulate.  My  silence  served  to  arouse 
the  suspicion  of  the  other,  and  he  took  a  quick  step  toward 
me,  his  gun  held  on  guard  before  him,  seeking  to  peer  into 
my  face. 

"  De  Coubert,"  he  cried  suddenly.  "  Man,  is  this  you  ? 
The  girls,  are  they  safe  ?  " 

It  was  then  I  knew  him  —  knew  him  with  a  great  throb, 
partly  of  joy,  partly,  I  dislike  to  write  it,  of  regret,  pound- 
ing at  my  heart.  He  was  my  rival,  my  companion  in  misery, 
the  one  man  in  all  the  world  standing  between  Mademoiselle 
and  me.  It  was  Lieutenant  Challoner.  I  had  longed  to 
save  this  Mistress  Alene  —  to  save  her  alone,  and  by  my 
own  exertions;  now,  strange  fate,  it  was  this  man,  of  all 
men,  whose  prompt  act  had  won  rescue  for  both  of  us. 
For  a  second  such  senseless  envy  swayed  me,  but  with 
the  next  all  that  was  generous  and  fair  in  my  nature 
asserted  itself,  and  caused  me  to  greet  him  with  extended 
hands. 

"  Ay,  Challoner,  and  in  rare  good  time.  I  was  thoroughly 
spent  with  the  struggle.  The  ladies  you  ask  after?  They 
are  below,  half  crazed,  no  doubt,  by  noise  of  the  fight  above 
them.  Saw  you  any  signs  of  guards  about  the  house  ?  " 

"  There  was  one  down  by  the  stream  yonder,  a  gray-coated 
Canadian,  but  he  will  not  greatly  bother  us.  This  gun  I 
carry  belonged  to  him." 

I  glanced  uneasily  out  into  those  black  forest  depths  where 
he  pointed,  my  nerves  unstrung  by  so  much  of  tragedy. 
Whatever  else  this  Englishman  might  prove  to  be,  he  pos- 
sessed the  courage  to  be  worthy  of  my  lady,  and  I  set  my 
teeth  grimly,  seeking  to  regain  my  own. 

"  Then  come,"  I  said,  anxious  to  relieve  myself  by  action. 


320  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Our  night's  work  has  but  just  begun.  We  will  bring  them 
to  the  free  air,  and  waste  no  more  precious  time  in  talking." 

Once  within,  I  groped  in  the  darkness  for  the  iron  ring, 
and  finding  it,  flung  back  the  heavy  trap-door. 

"  Come  up,"  I  called  down,  my  voice  still  trembling 
"  The  way  is  now  clear  for  your  escape." 


CHAPTER   XXXI 

WHERE  LOVE  WALKED   IN   DARKNESS 

THERE  immediately  followed  the  faintest  rustle  of 
drapery  in  that  intense  blackness  beneath;  then  a 
slight  creaking  of  the  ladder,  as  though  both  sought  to 
mount  at  once,  each  alike  fearful  of  being  left  alone  below. 
I  know  not  which  of  the  two  led,  although  I  assisted  them 
both  to  secure  standing  place  upon  the  floor,  yet  it  was  the 
voice  of  Mistress  Alene  that  spoke  in  my  ear,  and  it  was 
her  hand  I  grasped  as  I  drew  her  farther  away  from  the 
open  trap. 

"  There  has  been  a  struggle  ?  "  she  whispered.  "  We  could 
hear  the  sound  of  it  below.  You  are  not  injured,  Captain 
de  Coubert?" 

"  Merely  a  scratch  or  two  added  to  my  previous  rather 
extensive  collection,"  I  returned,  striving  to  hide  my  dis- 
comfiture behind  the  play  of  light  words.  "  Yet  I  must 
acknowledge  my  salvation  from  greater  injury  to  the  op- 
portune arrival  of  a  mutual  friend." 

"  A  mutual  friend !  and  in  this  place  ?  "  She  stared  about 
her  through  the  darkness  incredulously.  "  You  surely  do 
not  mean  Corporal  Cassidi  ?  " 

"  No ;  one  far  more  welcome,  I  imagine.  Lieutenant 
Challoner." 

She  stood  for  a  moment  as  if  dazed,  and  I  could  feel  her 
body  reel  as  her  drapery  touched  me. 

"  Lieutenant  Challoner  here,  and  safe  ?  Oh,  thank  God, 
thank  God!  Rene,  do  you  hear  what  Captain  de  Coubert 
says?  Robert  has  been  preserved  from  the  savages,  and  is 
even  now  here  to  aid  us.  Is  he  within  this  room,  Monsieur?" 

21 


322  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Her  hand-clasp  tightened  upon  my  arm,  the  eager  an- 
ticipation in  her  voice  chilled  me  until  I  was  all  of  a 
tremble,  yet  I  crushed  the  feeling  back,  seeking  to  answer 
calmly. 

"  He  is  keeping  guard  just  without  the  door  —  there, 
where  the  faint  light  shows." 

They  left  me  standing  amid  that  darkness  to  fight  out 
my  battle  in  silence  and  alone.  I  heard  the  soft  rustle  of 
their  skirts,  marked  the  dim  outlines  of  their  figures,  as  re- 
vealed against  the  slight  star-gleam  without.  Then  the 
Englishman  sprang  swiftly  forward,  and  clasped  one  of  the 
two  close  within  his  arms. 

"  My  own  dear  girl,"  he  cried  so  clearly  the  words  dis- 
tinctly reached  me.  "  What  a  strange,  sad  meeting  after 
all  these  months  of  separation,  here  in  the  heart  of  this 
wilderness ;  yet  God  be  thanked,  I  have  reached  you  in 
time." 

Heartsick  I  turned  away,  their  very  happiness  a  blow 
harder  to  bear  than  any  ever  dealt  me  by  savage  hand. 
With  set  lips  I  bowed  my  head  upon  my  arms,  leaning  there 
against  the  logs,  and  fought  out  a  struggle  with  despair, 
grimly  driving  back  the  bitter  evil  within  my  own  heart, 
and,  under  God,  rising  from  the  battle  a  stronger  man. 
I  know  not  how  long  that  conference  of  love  lasted ;  I  could 
catch  the  soft,  glad  murmur  of  their  voices,  yet  closed  my 
ears  to  the  sound,  feeling  no  desire  to  overhear  their  con- 
versation, nor  do  I  think  I  moved,  except  to  turn  my  face 
resolutely  toward  the  farther  wall,  unwilling  to  look  forth 
longer  upon  those  dim  figures.  From  the  dull  apathy  of 
that  lonely  moment  it  was  the  voice  of  Challoner  which 
aroused  me. 

"  Come  without,  De  Coubert,"  he  exclaimed,  his  head  pro- 
jected within  the  door,  his  voice  containing  a  new  ring  of 
happiness  in  it.  "  'T  is  a  long  journey  from  here  to  the  safety 
of  the  stockade,  even  if  there  be  no  interference  along  the 


Where  Love  Walked  in  Darkness       323 

way.  The  love  scene  is  all  over,  and  now  the  curtain  again 
rises  upon  heavy  tragedy." 

The  good  humor  thrilling  through  his  tone  nerved  me 
like  a  tonic,  the  pride  of  my  heart  ready  enough  now  to 
hide  completely  all  outward  evidence  of  pain. 

"  Have  you  any  acquaintance  with  the  path  lying  between 
here  and  Detroit,  Lieutenant  ? "  I  asked,  barely  glancing 
aside  at  the  little  group,  and  then  turning  my  eyes  resolutely 
away  toward  the  dark  forest,  "or  do  you  deem  it  best  that 
we  seek  after  a  boat  along  the  shore  ?  " 

"  I  know  the  road,  yes ;  't  is  a  well-beaten  trail  enough 
after  we  cross  the  creek  yonder.  I  believe  we  shall  be  fully 
as  safe  within  its  shadows  as  we  should  be  upon  the  water; 
and  searching  for  a  stray  craft  amid  this  darkness  means 
much  delay.  Besides,  when  I  was  inside  the  stockade  the 
savages  patrolled  the  river  in  their  canoes,  both  above  and 
below.  No  doubt  there  will  be  a  sufficiency  of  danger  front- 
ing us  either  way,  and  we  can  but  close  our  eyes,  and  choose 
between  them." 

"  Very  well  then,  if  we  follow  the  land  route  it  becomes 
your  place  to  officiate  as  guide,"  I  answered,  stepping  down 
into  the  midst  of  them.  "  You  alone  know  the  way,  and 
you  carry  the  only  gun  in  the  party." 

There  was  a  moment's  spirited  controversy  among  the 
three  of  them,  in  which  I  took  no  share,  and  at  the  ending 
of  it  I  heard  Rene  laugh  light-heartedly.  Bien !  it  bore 
more  the  appearance  of  some  merry  picnic  party,  than  a 
desperate  march  through  Indian-haunted  woods.  Then 
Challoner  stepped  out  from  where  he  had  been  standing 
between  those  others,  and  started  alone  down  the  steep 
declivity.  Mistress  Alene  came  forward,  and  touched  me 
gently  upon  the  sleeve. 

"  We  are  to  walk  beside  you,  Monsieur,"  she  announced 
quietly.  "  Lieutenant  Challoner  tells  us  that  a  scout  must 
never  be  encumbered  by  the  care  of  women." 


324  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  A  most  sensible  decision  upon  his  part,"  I  replied,  sur- 
prised at  his  self-denial,  "  and  one  which  assuredly  will  add 
much  to  the  pleasure  of  my  journey." 

"  Perhaps  not,  Monsieur ;  we  also  have  our  strict  orders 
not  to  talk,  and  a  woman  who  must  keep  still  is  not  apt  to 
be  very  entertaining." 

"  It  depends  altogether  upon  the  woman.  There  are  those 
I  would  rather  walk  with  in  silence  than  listen  to  the  cackle 
of  others'  tongues." 

"  Indeed  ?  I  know  not,  Monsieur,  whether  that  is  spoken 
in  compliment  or  otherwise.  But  I  give  you  benefit  of  the 
doubt." 

We  were  moving  down  the  steep  slope  by  this  time, 
Mademoiselle  walking  close  beside  me,  with  Rene  beyond, 
and  a  little  behind.  Challoner  had  already  entirely  dis- 
appeared within  the  gloom. 

"  Have  you  ever  experienced  any  reason  to  doubt  my 
delight  in  your  presence  ?  "  I  questioned,  led  to  such  liberty 
of  speech  by  her  gracious  manner. 

"  I  have  had  no  reason  to  think  especially  about  it  at  all, 
Monsieur,"  and  although  I  could  perceive  little,  I  felt  that 
she  glanced  aside  seeking  to  obtain  glimpse  of  my  face. 
"  We  have  usually  quarrelled,  as  I  remember,  and  it  has 
been  Rene,  with  her  gay  badinage,  who  has  managed  to 
keep  you  in  good  humor." 

"  That  young  lady  appears  sedate  enough  to-night." 

"  One's  nature  must  show  under  stress  of  circumstance. 
The  peril  we  are  in  only  serves  to  stir  my  blood  into  fever- 
ish activity,  while  with  Rene  it  has  ever  been  that  any  excess 
of  either  happiness  or  sorrow  seals  her  lips,  and  stills  her 
laughter.  I  know  her  so  well  that  I  understand,  but  I  had 
thought  differently  regarding  you,  Monsieur;  I  have  ever 
supposed  you  to  be  one  to  whom  dangerous  adventure  woul<! 
prove  welcome." 

"  There  can  come  too  much  of  it  all  at  once." 


Where  Love  Walked  in  Darkness       325 

"  No  doubt,  and  that  must  serve  to  account  for  it.  I  had 
never  before  discovered  you  diffident,  and  wondered  some- 
what at  your  lingering  so  long  within  the  house  when  we 
first  hurried  forth  to  greet  Lieutenant  Challoner.  Indeed, 
I  will  confess  it  worried  me,  Monsieur,  for  fear  your  hurts 
might  be  serious." 

Her  hand  was  resting  upon  my  sleeve  to  steady  her  along 
that  rough  path  we  travelled,  and  so  tenderly  solicitous 
was  the  low  tone  in  which  she  spoke  that  I  ventured  to 
touch  it  gently  with  my  own. 

"  I  can  but  thank  you  for  retaining  any  memory  of  me 
at  such  a  moment  of  reunion,"  I  whispered,  my  voice  choked 
with  feeling.  "  I  merely  lingered  behind  believing  you  would 
all  prefer  to  be  alone  at  such  a  time.  Surely,  Mademoiselle, 
it  was  no  desire  on  my  part  not  to  keep  as  near  you  as 
possible." 

She  was  silent,  yet  her  hand  remained  upon  my  arm.  We 
were  upon  the  bank  of  the  stream  by  now,  and  there  Chal- 
loner awaited  us,  a  mere  smudge  amid  the  surrounding 
blackness. 

"  'T  is  neither  wide  nor  deep,"  he  said  in  explanation  of 
his  presence.  "  Yet  I  had  better  carry  the  ladies  across,  and 
save  them  the  discomfort  of  wet  feet." 

He  bent  over,  picking  up  the  one  nearest  him,  who 
chanced  to  be  Rene,  in  his  arms  as  if  she  had  been  a  child, 
and  instantly  disappeared,  plashing  through  the  water.  I 
hesitated,  supposing  from  his  words  and  manner  he  in- 
tended to  return  after  Mademoiselle. 

"  Monsieur,"  she  questioned  mockingly,  "  are  you  fearful 
lest  I  prove  too  heavy  ?  " 

This  laughing  challenge  had  barely  been  offered  before 
I  had  lifted  her,  my  arms  clasping  her  form  so  closely  I 
could  hear  the  quickened  throbbing  of  her  heart  against  my 
own.  Nor  did  she  hold  back  from  me  in  excess  of  coyness. 
I  felt  the  shapely  roundness  of  one  arm  where  she  rested 


326  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

it  confidingly  across  my  shoulder,  and  as  I  stepped  cau- 
tiously down  into  the  water,  thus  bearing  my  fair  burden, 
her  loosened  hair  brushed  my  cheek,  her  soft  breath  fanned 
me.  I  know  not  if  I  held  her  more  tightly  than  I  needed, 
but  her  lips  uttered  no  protest,  and  I  forgot,  in  the  intoxi- 
cation of  that  moment,  all  else  save  that  I  held  my  lady  of 
love  pressed  close  against  my  heart.  What  would  I  not 
have  given  to  view  her  face,  to  read  within  the  clear  depths 
of  her  truthful  gray  eyes  whatsoever  of  message  might  be 
hiding  there.  Twice  I  endeavored  to  speak,  to  breathe 
words  of  passion  born  of  that  sudden  intimacy,  but  a  strong 
sense  of  honor  restrained  me.  Two  barriers  now  arose, 
grim  and  unyielding,  between  us  —  her  plighted  word  to 
Challoner,  and  the  stern  fact  that  I  was  no  more  than  a 
penniless  adventurer.  Across  neither  barrier  would  I  seek 
to  leap;  yet  I  strained  her  to  me,  feeling  the  quickened 
heaving  of  her  bosom,  even  the  soft  touch  of  her  warm 
cheek  against  mine,  while  the  blood  swept  through  my  veins 
with  a  glow  like  fire. 

It  was  all  the  happening  of  a  minute,  and  upon  the  other 
shore,  barely  distinguishable  amid  the  dense  shrubbery,  we 
came  suddenly  upon  the  others.  I  doubt  if  I  should  have 
seen  them  had  not  the  Englishman  spoken,  his  voice,  I 
thought,  strained  and  unnatural. 

"  Ah,  Monsieur  de  Coubert,  so  it  was  too  long  to  wait  for 
my  return,  especially  as  the  lady  was  willing,"  he  said  sar- 
castically, and  I  made  out  as  I  placed  Mistress  Alene  upon 
her  feet  that  he  held  his  own  companion  by  the  arm.  "  Well 
then,  Rene,  'tis  not  our  nature  to  interfere  with  pleasure. 
Come  you  ahead  with  me.  It  will  scarcely  be  more  danger- 
ous than  loitering  behind  unattended,  and  it  becomes  quite 
evident  Monsieur  de  Coubert  already  has  his  hands  full." 

My  face  flamed,  and  I  would  have  answered  him  hotly, 
for  his  words  stung,  but  before  I  could  recover  from  the 
first  surprise  of  so  unexpected  a  greeting,  the  two  had  van- 


Where  Love  Walked  in  Darkness       327 

ished  into  the  gloom  of  the  trail  ahead,  and  we  were  left 
standing  there  alone.  Without  doubt  she  realized  my  anger, 
for  she  touched  me  gently  with  her  hand. 

"  He  was  ever  a  hot-head,  Monsieur  de  Coubert,  and  will 
cool  just  as  quickly  when  the  first  flame  dies  down,"  she 
said,  as  though  striving  to  make  excuse  for  him.  "  So  why 
worry  over  such  impetuous  speech?  Surely,  the  way  is  not 
long  that  you  will  be  thus  burdened  by  my  company." 

"  It  could  never  be  too  long,"  I  answered,  greatly  re- 
assured by  her  manner,  and  not  at  all  regretful  as  to  the 
result,  "  nor  am  I  likely  to  waste  thought  over  the  out- 
raged feelings  of  Monsieur  Challoner.  I  feared  his  incon- 
siderate words  might  prove  hurtful  to  you." 

"  To  me  ?  Pish !  I  have  known  Robert  long  enough  not 
to  worry;  he  is  one  who  speaks  first,  and  reflects  later. 
Before  this  night  ends  he  will  most  likely  be  at  my  feet 
with  an  apology." 

Certes,  she  must  queen  it  over  him;  nor  was  I  greatly 
pleased  to  hear  her  thus  openly  assert  her  power  —  she  was 
all  too  certain  of  it  for  my  liking. 

"  But,  Captain  de  Coubert,"  she  went  on,  glancing  at  me 
curiously,  and  breaking  in  upon  my  reverie,  "  they  will 
be  far  in  our  advance  unless  we  hurry.  Faith,  but  this  is 
a  most  gruesome  spot  in  which  to  stand  conversing  at  night. 
I  pray  you  help  me  in  climbing  the  bank." 

The  trail  we  were  compelled  to  follow  proved  a  narrow 
one,  yet  fairly  clear  of  underbrush,  the  trees  upon  either 
side  a  veritable  wall  of  blackness,  their  long  branches  arch- 
ing like  a  roof  overhead.  I  thought  I  could  hear  the  soft 
lapping  of  the  river  current  to  our  left,  and  we  must  have 
skirted  the  very  border  of  it,  although  the  eye  could  dis- 
tinguish nothing  of  its  presence.  Indeed  I  could  only  feel  my 
way  forward  with  slow  uncertainty,  one  groping  hand  touch- 
ing the  tree-trunks  as  we  passed ;  the  other  clasping  Made- 
moiselle's arm,  and  thus  holding  her  close  against  me.  No 


328  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

doubt  that  solemn,  dead  silence  awed  her,  the  intense  gloom 
became  a  weight  upon  her  spirits,  for  she  clung  ever  more 
tightly  to  me  as  we  proceeded,  and  I  could  frequently  re- 
mark the  sharp  intake  of  her  breathing,  the  quick  start  of 
alarm  which  sent  its  quiver  through  her  body  at  each  un- 
wonted sound  that  greeted  us.  We  spoke  but  little,  and  I 
felt  she  already  regretted  that  foolish  quarrel  with  Challoner, 
even  though  she  chose  in  pride  to  make  light  of  it  in  my 
presence.  Once  she  asked  a  question,  whispering  the  words 
close  beside  my  ear,  as  if  fearing  the  very  sound  of  her 
own  voice  amid  such  oppressive  silence. 

"  Whose  body  was  that,  Monsieur,  lying  just  without  the 
cabin  ?  Was  it  he  with  whom  you  fought  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  I  returned  evasively,  not  intending  to  tell  her 
then  who  the  fellow  was.  "  And  but  for  the  unexpected 
arrival  of  Lieutenant  Challoner,  it  most  likely  would  have 
been  I." 

I  felt  her  shiver  as  though  my  careless  words  had  been  a 
chill,  while  her  fingers  tightened  upon  my  sleeve. 

"  Was  it  so  desperate  a  struggle  as  that  ?  It  must  have 
been  our  prayers,  Monsieur,  that  brought  him  to  your  rescue. 
It  was  terrible  in  that  dark  cellar,  listening;  I  tremble  yet 
at  memory  of  it.  And  Rene  and  I  both  prayed  that  you 
might  be  spared  —  nor  was  it  in  selfishness,  Monsieur.  Who 
was  the  man?  one  of  Monsieur  Quilleriez's  guards,  for  he 
was  surely  not  an  Indian?" 

"  It  was  the  half-breed,  Mademoiselle." 

"  The  half-breed  ?  "  her  accent  almost  incredulous.  "  The 
half-breed?  Mean  you  Pierre?  Was  he  there,  waiting  for 
Monsieur  Quilleriez?  Surely  there  was  more  of  villany  in 
that  blackness  than  I  had  before  supposed." 

"  It  was  all  part  of  some  well  laid  plot,  no  doubt,"  I 
answered,  marvelling  at  the  quickness  with  which  she  con- 
nected these  facts,  "  although  we  may  never  know  more  as 
to  its  details.  Anyhow,  the  half-breed  was  there,  waiting  in 


Where  Love  Walked  in  Darkness       329 

the  darkness  for  his  tool,  Monsieur  Quilleriez,  to  return. 
He  mistook  me  at  first  for  that  interesting  individual,  but 
was  soon  otherwise  informed." 

"  And  —  and  you  killed  him,  Monsieur  ?  " 

Her  voice  faltered  to  the  direct  question,  but  I  responded 
regretfully,  recalling  as  I  spoke  all  the  suffering  his  treachery 
had  brought  us  both. 

"  Such  was  not  my  privilege,  Mademoiselle.  It  was  Lieu- 
tenant Challoner  who  struck  the  blow." 

I  heard  her  draw  in  her  breath  quickly,  but  for  the  moment 
she  did  not  speak. 

"  I  am  not  sorry  he  is  dead,"  she  said  at  last  soberly,  "  for 
he  was  utterly  unworthy  to  live,  but  it  seems  terrible  to  die 
thus  suddenly  in  one's  sins.  I  am  glad  it  was  not  you,  Mon- 
sieur, who  killed  him." 

Strange  that  these  gentle  words  should  have  hurt  me, 
yet  I  never  once  thought  of  the  deep,  womanly  tenderness 
to  which  they  gave  utterance;  they  sounded  to  me  like  re- 
joicing over  the  prowess  of  that  Englishman. 

"  His  life  was  fairly  forfeit  to  me  by  every  law  of  the 
border,"  I  retorted  somewhat  bitterly ;  "  and  your  rejoicing 
that  another  —  even  though  it  is  Lieutenant  Challoner  — 
robbed  me  of  my  just  revenge  is  in  extremely  ill  taste, 
Mademoiselle." 

She  drew  sharply  away  from  me  into  the  darkness,  and 
stopped  still  as  if  I  had  struck  her. 

"  You  misunderstand,  Monsieur,"  and  her  low  voice  was 
cool  with  proud  reproof.  "  There  is  to  my  mind  no  virtue 
in  revenge.  I  rejoiced  merely  that  the  blood  of  even  this 
miserable  wretch  should  not  be  upon  your  hands.  I  would 
remember  you  as  an  honorable  soldier,  and  not  a  savage, 
remorseless  for  vengeance.  I  am  not  an  Indian,  but  an 
Englishwoman,  Monsieur,  and  for  that  reason  am  indeed 
glad  it  was  not  you  who  did  this  deed,  however  necessary 
it  might  have  been." 


33°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

It  was  not  in  my  long  forest  training  to  comprehend  her 
meaning  fully,  and  I  dimly  wondered  why,  if  she  considered 
such  act  a  disgrace,  she  could  condone  it  in  his  case  and 
not  in  mine.  The  thought  found  partial  utterance. 

"  Nor  do  I  know,"  she  answered,  yet  speaking  with  a 
hesitancy  I  could  not  fail  to  remark.  "  A  woman  does  not 
always  reason,  Monsieur;  she  feels.  I  do  not  rejoice  over 
this  act  of  Robert  Challoner;  I  am  simply  glad  it  was  not 
you  who  did  it.  Beyond  that  it  is  not  right  you  should 
question  me." 

The  slight  reproof  within  her  voice  was  unmistakable, 
and  I  hastened  to  change  the  topic  of  our  conversation. 
We  spoke  of  many  things  as  we  moved  slowly  forward 
through  the  black  overshadowing  night,  her  hand  upon  my 
arm,  her  face  upturned  as  she  responded  to  my  question- 
ing, or  gave  me  her  own  thought  in  unrestrained  frankness. 
It  was  all  a  most  strange  happening,  and  often  since  have 
I  turned  in  thankfulness  to  Providence,  which  guarded  us 
through  the  treacherous  blackness  of  that  midnight  road. 
It  was  more  the  careless  stroll  of  lovers  down  some  safe 
and  familiar  lane,  than  an  attempt  at  escape  from  deadly 
peril,  with  red  fiends  haunting  each  step  of  the  unknown, 
shrouded  path.  I  remember  that,  as  the  thoughtless  mo- 
ments slipped  by,  I  grew  forgetful  of  everything,  excepting 
only  that  unconscious  girl  at  my  side,  and  I  believe  every 
sense  of  surrounding  danger  became  blotted  from  her  mind, 
as  she  opened  to  me  those  little  glimpses  of  her  heart  and 
life.  It  abides  with  me  now  in  sweetest  memory;  I  can 
inhale  again  the  fragrance  of  the  woods,  the  perfume  of  the 
wild  flowers  crushed  beneath  our  feet ;  I  hear  the  call  of 
distant  night  birds,  the  rustling  of  leaves  overhead,  the  soft 
murmur  of  her  low  voice  in  my  ear ;  I  feel  the  vagrant  trees 
sweeping  my  cheek  in  the  play  of  the  wind. 

Yet  under  God  I  realize  this  day  all  that  deadly  peril 
which  then  menaced  our  careless  loitering;  how  narrow 


Where  Love  Walked  in  Darkness       331 

lay  the  path  of  our  safety;  how  the  good  angels  guarded 
us  from  harm  that  night.  For  scarcely  more  than  a  hun- 
dred feet  away,  across  an  intervening  space  of  tangled 
underbrush,  crouching  within  the  black  thickets,  their  cruel 
eyes  watching  jealously  that  broader  trail  leading  northward, 
the  whole  horde  of  Pontiac's  painted  savages  lay  hid  in 
silent  ambush,  eagerly  awaiting  the  coming  toward  them 
of  more  important  game.  A  single  loudly  spoken  word, 
an  incautious  movement,  would  surely  have  reached  their 
strained  ears  amid  such  solemn  silence.  Yet  unconsciously, 
and  thoughtlessly,  we  strayed  along  the  very  edge  of  that 
precipice  of  discovery,  and  passed  by  unseen,  unheard. 

It  was  where  these  two  diverging  trails  met  and  merged 
into  one  that  Challoner  halted  us,  crouching  forward  in  the 
darkness  to  be  certain  of  our  identity,  and  speaking  with 
the  intense  whisper  of  excitement. 

"  Be  quiet,"  he  commanded  anxiously.  "  There  is  some- 
thing approaching  from  the  south  —  it  has  the  sound  of  a 
marching  column." 


CHAPTER   XXXII 

THE   SURPRISE  OF   DALZELL/S   MEN 

THE  intense  excitement  manifest  in  Challoner's  voice 
startled  me,  and  I  immediately  drew  Mademoiselle 
down  into  the  covert  of  bushes,  close  at  my  side,  and  peered 
anxiously  forth  to  learn  if  possible  the  cause  for  his  alarm. 
I  could  see  or  hear  little;  nothing,  indeed,  out  of  the  ordi- 
nary at  such  a  time  and  place.  The  heavy  forest  growth, 
through  which  we  had  been  groping  our  slow  progress  so 
long,  fell  away  just  in  front  of  where  we  now  rested,  and 
our  eyes,  trained  by  the  vigils  of  the  night,  could  distinguish 
a  few  objects  within  the  narrow  radius  of  vision.  To  our 
right  and  front,  topping  a  somewhat  higher  elevation  of 
ground,  stood  a  rather  pretentious  log  cabin,  its  bare  out- 
lines plainly  silhouetted  against  the  lighter  sky,  but  appear- 
ing lonely  and  deserted.  Toward  the  left  I  could  dimly  trace 
another  shadow,  but  of  such  peculiar  shape  as  to  yield  no 
conception  as  to  what  it  might  represent.  The  sound  of 
swiftly  running  water  close  at  hand,  mingling  with  the 
rustle  of  leaves  overhead,  alone  disturbed  the  brooding  still- 
ness of  the  night. 

"  I  can  neither  hear  nor  see  anything  suspicious,"  I  ven- 
tured at  last,  confident  the  trouble  must  lie  with  the  Lieu- 
tenant's over-taxed  nerves.  "  It  cannot  be  so  very  long  until 
daylight ;  had  we  not  better  press  forward  ?  " 

"  Not  yet,"  and  he  restrained  me  as  I  sought  to  rise.  "  I 
am  certainly  not  mistaken,  De  Coubert.  There  was  some 
strange  movement  out  yonder,  just  before  you  came,  al- 
though it  seems  to  have  ceased  now." 


The  Surprise  of  Dalzell's  Men          333 

He  pointed  as  he  spoke  toward  where  that  vague  shadow 
had  so  completely  baffled  my  eyes,  yet  I  searched  it  again 
in  vain  for  any  further  information.  The  dim  shade  hung 
there  motionless  and  indistinct. 

"  Do  you  know  how  far  we  are  from  the  stockade?" 

"  Ay ;  a  trifle  more  than  a  mile  and  a  half.  That  house 
standing  over  yonder  belongs  to  a  Canadian  named  Meloche, 
while  just  ahead  of  us,  there  where  the  shadow  deepens,  is 
the  wooden  bridge  spanning  Parent  Creek.  We  are  likely 
to  discover  Indian  guards  there,  if  nothing  more." 

He  stopped  speaking,  and  for  the  moment  no  sound 
reached  me  other  than  the  suppressed  breathing  of  our 
little  party.  I  touched  Mademoiselle's  hand  in  the  darkness, 
and  she  returned  my  pressure,  as  though  thus  to  reassure 
me  that  she  was  not  greatly  frightened.  Then  suddenly  my 
ears  caught  the  noise  of  some  movement  far  out  in  the 
opaque  blackness,  beyond  that  vague  bridge  shadow.  No 
sound  of  any  voice  reached  where  we  lay,  but  there  came 
a  steady  scuffling,  as  of  many  feet  dragged  along  a  hard- 
packed  road,  punctuated  occasionally  by  the  sharp  clinking 
of  steel.  To  my  mind  there  could  remain  no  longer  any 
reasonable  doubt  as  to  the  cause;  it  arose  from  a  consider- 
able body  of  men  upon  the  march.  The  familiar  sound  of 
it  sent  a  quick  thrill  of  exultation  through  me,  and  I  leaned 
eagerly  forward  aroused  to  fresh  interest.  What  could  all 
this  mean?  Was  that  mysterious  column,  wending  silent 
way  through  the  darkness,  some  organized  body  of  Cana- 
dians seeking  to  join  Pontiac?  was  it  an  English  reenforce- 
ment?  or  did  it  form  a  desperate  sortie,  sent  out  by  the 
beleaguered  garrison  of  Detroit?  I  might  not  even  guess. 
Of  only  one  thing  could  I  feel  confidently  assured,  no  body 
of  savages  ever  marched  like  that  —  it  must  be  composed  of 
some  white  detachment  feeling  their  uncertain  way  with 
caution  through  the  gloom.  I  plainly  distinguished  the 
sturdy  tramp  of  the  first  ranks  as  they  struck  the  echoing 


334  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

wood  of  the  bridge,  and  a  moment  later  I  obtained  a  dim 
view  of  vague,  scattered  figures  scouting  in  advance  of 
the  main  column.  They  formed  merest  smudges  here  and 
there,  so  silent  and  gliding,  so  indistinct  and  spectral,  I 
was  unable  to  decide  whether  they  were  white  or  Indian, 
but  as  the  column  itself  loomed  up  darkly  behind  them, 
its  front  narrow  but  compact,  the  steady  step  of  the  men 
resounding  in  unison,  I  could  no  longer  doubt  —  these  were 
troops  under  discipline.  Challoner  leaped  to  his  feet,  im- 
patient to  spring  forth,  but  it  was  my  turn  now  to  catch 
and  restrain  him.  I  was  far  from  feeling  assured  as  to 
the  character  of  the  approaching  mass,  and  I  knew  too  well 
the  nervous  vigilance  with  which  those  advance  scouts  were 
scanning  the  gloom  in  their  front  —  they  would  be  apt  to 
fire  first,  and  investigate  afterward. 

"  Wait,"  I  muttered  sternly.  "  Let  us  be  certain  that 
they  are  friends.  It  will  be  ample  time  if  we  join  the 
rearguard,  and  we  run  far  less  danger  of  being  halted  by 
a  shot  when  we  first  appear." 

He  shook  off  my  hand  from  his  arm  as  though  not  greatly 
enjoying  the  touch  of  it,  yet  remained  quiet ;  and  I  smiled 
to  myself,  it  was  so  like  the  action  of  a  jealous  boy. 

"Who  are  they,  Captain  de  Coubert?"  whispered  Rene 
almost  at  my  ear,  and  as  I  turned,  barely  able  to  discern 
her  white  face  in  the  darkness  of  our  covert,  I  could  note 
Mademoiselle  lean  forward  hoping  to  catch  my  answer. 

"It  is  impossible  to  determine  safely  as  yet,  but  they 
are  certainly  white,  and  no  doubt  English.  It  is  my  belief 
they  compose  a  sortie  party  from  the  fort,  although  of 
greater  strength  than  I  had  supposed  might  be  spared  for 
such  purpose." 

I  cannot  convey  by  mere  words  the  deep  impression  made 
upon  me  by  the  steady,  ceaseless  advance  of  that  black, 
shadowy  column  of  armed  men.  There  was  an  impression 
of  unreality  about  it,  as  though  spectres  of  the  night,  and 


The  Surprise  of  Dalzell's  Men          335 

not  mere  flesh  and  blood,  composed  that  weird  procession 
beneath  those  arching  forest  trees.  It  was  all  so  solemnly 
still,  so  sombrely  black,  with  nothing  but  the  dull  footfalls 
and  faint  tinkling  of  accoutrements  to  yield  semblance  of 
life.  No  whisper  reached  our  strained  ears,  no  uplifted 
voice  of  command;  just  the  sight  of  that  shadowy  wall 
of  serried  ranks  and  files  moving  slowly,  deliberately,  down 
toward  us,  as  might  some  majestic  stream.  No  flag  fluttered 
against  the  lighter  sky  above  them;  I  could  detect  no  ap- 
pearance of  uniform,  not  even  the  sheen  of  their  guns. 
Demons  could  have  thronged  that  dim  forest  aisle  with  no 
greater  solemnity,  no  more  awe-inspiring  presence.  It  was 
as  if  a  troop  of  ghosts  burst  forth  from  out  those  haunted 
shadows,  and  swept  stealthily  down  upon  us  for  some  un- 
known, mysterious  end. 

The  little  body  of  advance  scouts  —  not  more  than  ten 
or  twelve  —  glided  swiftly  past  us  like  so  many  spectres, 
their  moccasined  feet  noiseless,  their  anxious  glances  striving 
vainly  to  pierce  the  gloom  enshrouding  them  on  every  side. 
Back  of  these,  although  not  more  than  thirty  steps  behind, 
and  apparently  leading  the  main  column,  one  man  walked 
alone.  He  appeared  tall  and  slender,  and  I  thought  I  could 
perceive  the  gleam  of  a  naked  sword  in  his  hand.  Close 
upon  his  heels  bore  down  the  others,  silent,  strong,  mas- 
terful, the  sturdy  sound  of  their  heavy  tread  in  that  night 
stillness  like  the  regular  beating  of  a  pendulum,  their  bodies 
swaying  as  though  welded  solidly  together,  their  heads  and 
shoulders  rising  and  falling  with  the  uniformity  of  waves. 
They  marched  eight  abreast,  and  I  imagined  I  could  detect 
the  white  gleam  of  cross-belts,  the  glimmer  of  gun  barrels, 
as  they  swung  solemnly  past. 

The  little  squad  of  scouts  had  disappeared  around  a  sharp 
bend  in  the  trail,  and  were  beyond  my  sight.  The  solitary 
officer  in  advance,  who  must  have  been  the  commander, 
was  but  a  vanishing  shadow  amid  the  dense  gloom  ahead, 


33 6  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

and  the  centre  of  the  main  column  had  already  reached 
opposite  where  we  lay  watching,  when,  without  the  slightest 
warning,  the  black,  night-wrapped  shrubbery,  along  either 
side  of  that  narrow  trail,  burst  into  red  sheets  of  flame; 
there  were  a  dozen  sputtering  reports,  then  a  roar  of  rifles 
seemingly  in  our  very  ears,  instantly  followed  by  the  awful 
reverberations  of  the  war  whoop,  as  a  thousand  warriors 
yelped  in  their  dark  coverts.  It  seemed  as  though  hell  had 
opened  on  every  side  of  them,  and  was  belching  its  horror 
into  their  very  faces.  In  the  swift  leap  of  those  deadly 
flames,  rending  the  black  night  asunder,  I  beheld  the  whole 
dread  picture  —  the  white,  startled  faces,  the  falling  figures, 
the  disordered  ranks,  huddled,  confused,  trembling  to  sudden 
panic;  the  gleam  of  brown  rifles,  the  flinging  up  of  hands 
as  if  to  ward  off  death ;  every  agonized  look  and  action  of 
men  smitten  by  unexpected  disaster.  Then  the  dense  cur- 
tain of  night  dropped  down  over  the  awful  scene,  blotting 
it  utterly.  It  would  have  seemed  a  dream,  a  horrid  fantasy, 
but  for  the  cries  of  fright,  the  screams  of  pain,  the  hoarse 
shouts  of  command  yet  echoing  amid  the  ferocious,  exulting 
yells  of  the  savages. 

"  Down !  "  I  cried,  my  voice  trembling  from  excitement. 
"  Down  quick  on  your  faces  to  escape  the  return  fire ! " 

I  grasped  Mademoiselle,  forcing  her  face  downward  upon 
the  earth,  and  flinging  my  own  body  prostrate  between  her 
and  where  those  disordered  troops  were  huddled.  Nor  was 
I  an  instant  too  soon.  Spits  of  vicious  fire  cut  the  black 
night,  irregular  but  deadly,  and  we  could  hear  the  fierce 
zip  of  bullets  through  the  air  above  us,  with  an  occasional 
dull  chug  as  the  lead  found  billet  within  a  tree.  I  could 
mark  that  dark,  shapeless  mass  in  our  immediate  front 
writhe  and  undulate,  creep  closer,  and  then  swerve  back, 
ever  changing  formation,  its  outer  edges  already  beginning 
to  crackle  fiercely  as  the  startled,  frightened  men  regained 
some  control  of  themselves,  and  remembered  the  use  of 


The  Surprise  of  Dalzell's  Men          337 

their  rifles.  The  bushes  blazed  with  constant  running  fire; 
men  swore  or  screamed,  as  anger  or  terror  dominated  their 
minds;  dark  figures,  naked  and  threatening,  leaped  forth 
into  the  open,  and,  with  fiendish  yells,  emptied  their  belch- 
ing guns  into  that  huddled  mass,  rushing  back  within  their 
coverts  to  reload.  Over  all  was  uproar,  hideous,  devilish, 
as  if  those  black  woods  were  thronged  with  demons  in- 
carnate. Here  and  there  a  single  face  stood  forth  in  sudden 
rifle  flame,  clear  cut  for  the  instant  as  a  cameo,  white  as 
death,  with  eyes  staring  in.  awful  fright ;  men  cursed  each 
other,  fighting  madly  to  get  back  within  the  centre  of  that 
seething,  revolving  mass,  while  dark  bodies,  some  among 
them  yet  writhing  in  their  agony,  lay  outstretched  upon 
the  earth. 

All  this  was  barely  a  minute,  although  it  seemed  a  year. 
Then  above  that  indescribable,  hellish  uproar,  that  infernal 
din  of  savagery,  pealed  out  one  voice,  dominant,  command- 
ing. I  saw  a  single  dark  figure  leaping  recklessly  through 
the  flame  of  the  Indian  rifles,  the  gleam  of  a  naked  sword 
as  its  wielder  struck  remorselessly  at  those  huddled,  un- 
nerved men,  driving  them  back  into  line  like  so  many  cattle, 
cursing  them  as  cowards,  lashing  them  mercilessly  with 
tongue  and  steel,  commanding,  beseeching,  imploring  in  one 
breath.  Others  joined  him,  and  almost  as  by  magic,  began 
moulding  the  seething,  frightened  mob  into  some  semblance 
of  a  line  of  battle,  forcing  the  crazed  men  into  their  proper 
places  with  bitter  blows  and  taunts.  It  made  my  blood 
leap  to  see  it  done;  to  watch  those  few  figures  pressing 
dauntlessly  here  and  there,  their  backs  turned  contempt- 
uously to  the  savage  fire,  utterly  heedless  of  death,  and  to 
hear  that  one  dominant  voice  of  authority  cracking  above 
the  uproar  like  the  cruel  lash  of  a  whip. 

"  Back  there !  Stand  back,  you  sneaking,  cowardly 
hounds,"  he  cried,  the  flat  of  his  sword  pounding  out  an 
accompaniment  to  his  stinging  words.  "  By  the  Eternal, 


33 8  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

did  you  suppose  we  were  out  here  on  a  picnic  to-night? 
Damn  you,  take  line!  take  line,  I  say!  This  is  battle,  and 
you  fellows  have  got  to  fight!  Get  back  into  your  places; 
we  can  whip  all  the  howling  red  savages  in  these  woods, 
if  you  '11  only  act  like  men.  Here,  Gray,  Hobart,  Brown, 
help  me  drive  these  fools  back  into  line.  By  God,  I  '11 
shoot  down  like  a  dog  the  first  skulking  coward  who  dares 
to  run.  Get  back  there  into  line,  I  say !  " 

By  this  time  I  could  dimly  make  out,  by  the  faint  light 
of  those  spitting  guns,  a  squad  of  men  half  kneeling,  their 
long  rifles  pouring  a  scattered,  but  continuous,  fire  into  the 
black  bushes  in  their  front.  The  commander  must  have 
perceived  them  at  the  same  instant,  for  he  sprang  back  from 
his  fierce  pommelling  to  stare  at  them  a  moment,  and  then 
shouted : 

"  Major  Rogers,  charge  that  house  up  yonder,  and  clean 
out  the  riff-raff  from  the  yard.  Take  them  flying !  " 

There  was  a  minute  of  hesitation;  the  next  that  slender 
line  of  kneeling  men  were  upon  their  feet,  and  rushing 
rapidly  forward,  with  a  shout  that  echoed  above  the  infer- 
nal uproar  of  the  combat.  It  was  most  gallantly  done.  I 
could  see  the  spiteful  spurts  of  flame  cleaving  the  dense 
night,  and  those  dark,  leaping  figures  as  they  sprang  reck- 
lessly up  the  steep  hill  into  a  veritable  sheet  of  fire,  sweeping 
the  crest  clear  of  lurking  savages.  I  doubt  if  they  reached 
their  red  foemen,  for  the  latter  would  scatter  like  so  many 
hares,  but  the  diversion  helped  below,  giving  the  maddened 
commander  opportunity  to  drive  his  terror-stricken  men  into 
some  semblance  of  order,  even  to  throw  forward  a  thin  line 
of  skirmishers  to  sweep  those  death-dealing  bushes  on  either 
side  of  the  trail.  One  such  squad  bore  down  directly 
toward  us,  their  rifles  held  ready  to  sweep  the  covert  at  the 
slightest  sound. 

"  Challoner,"  I  whispered,  "  hail  those  fellows,  or  they  '11 
kill  us  all  with  a  single  volley." 


The  Surprise  of  Dalzell's  Men          339 

"  Don't  fire,  men ! "  he  cried,  his  voice  rising  clear  and 
distinct  above  the  uproar.  "  We  are  English ;  escaped 
prisoners." 

The  party  halted  as  one  man,  unable  to  see  anything 
where  the  voice  came  from.  Challoner  crawled  out  into 
the  open,  his  hands  held  high  in  air.  An  officer,  attracted 
by  the  sound  of  his  voice,  came  leaping  forward. 

"  What  is  it,  sergeant  ?  " 

"  A  cove  what  looks  like  he  was  white,"  returned  the 
fellow  doubtfully,  "  but  maybe  we  better  plug  him,  sir." 

"  Gray!"  exclaimed  the  Lieutenant,  striding  forward  heed- 
less of  the  levelled  guns,  "  I  am  Challoner,  of  the  Forty- 
seventh  ;  you  know  me." 

The  other  stared  at  him  incredulously. 

"  Challoner  ?  By  God,  I  believe  it  is.  Are  you  here  alone, 
man?" 

"  No ;  there  are  two  English  ladies  with  me,  and  a  French 
officer." 

"  A  Frenchman?    Do  you  mean  he  is  a  fugitive  also?  " 

"  Ay,"  and  the  Lieutenant  turned.  "  Bring  the  girls,  De 
Coubert,  and  come  out." 

I  lifted  them  to  their  feet.  Mademoiselle  stood  firm, 
but  Rene  swayed  so  from  excitement  I  was  compelled 
to  support  her  as  we  made  slow  progress  toward  the 
little  group.  The  officer  surveyed  us  curiously,  his  eyes 
wandering  from  the  white  faces  of  the  ladies  to  my 
own.  Then  he  lifted  his  hat  in  a  somewhat  ceremonious 
bow. 

"  If  you  will  kindly  accompany  me,"  he  said  politely, 
"  I  will  endeavor  to  find  you  a  safer  spot  than  this.  McBain, 
go  on  with  your  squad,  and  clear  out  those  bushes.  This 
way  with  the  ladies,  if  you  please." 

As  we  moved  slowly  along  the  front  of  the  troops,  now 
swiftly  forming  into  some  semblance  of  order,  Challoner 
questioned  briefly. 


34°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  Gray  ?  a  sortie  from 
the  fort?" 

"Ay,"  a  bit  gruffly;  "and  like  enough  to  prove  a  fool's 
errand,  as  Gladwyn  thought  from  the  start.  Saint  Andrew ! 
but  that  skirmish  line  out  yonder  is  having  it  hot  enough 
even  now.  By  God,  Challoner,  did  you  know  we  were  within 
an  ace  of  a  stampede  ?  " 

"  Who  is  in  command  ?    T  is  a  strange  voice  to  my  ears." 

"  Dalzell." 

"  I  know  not  the  name.  Yet  hold,  there  was  such  an 
officer  on  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst's  staff.  Is  this  the  same?  " 

"  Yes,  a  native  of  the  colonies.  He  came  in  only  this 
morning  with  some  reinforcements,  and  nothing  would 
satisfy  him  but  a  sortie.  It 's  my  mind  that  Pontiac  will  give 
him  his  fill  before  daylight." 

"  What  troops  have  you  ?  " 

"  A  portion  of  the  Fifty-fifth  and  Eightieth  regiments  of 
the  line,  with  a  company  of  Rogers's  Provincial  Rangers. 
These  last  are  the  best  of  the  lot  for  such  bush  fighting." 

While  he  was  speaking  the  firing  toward  the  head  of  the 
column  redoubled  in  intensity,  and,  as  though  this  were  taken 
as  a  signal,  those  shrouded  bushes  all  along  the  trail  became 
instantly  luminous  with  flame.  The  re-forming  line,  not 
yet  thoroughly  steadied  into  a  machine,  cowered  under  that 
sudden  hail  of  lead.  Gray  seeing  it,  sprang  toward  their 
front,  shouting  words  to  us  back  across  his  shoulder  as  he 
ran. 

"  Take  them  to  the  rearguard.  Grant  is  in  command  there ; 
he  '11  know  you." 

I  stood  motionless,  for  the  moment  fascinated  by  the 
tragedy  being  enacted  so  close  at  hand.  I  saw  those  slender, 
cringing  lines  start  to  shrivel  away,  as  the  scorching  rifle 
flames  swept  them  with  messages  of  death,  the  faces  of  the 
men  showing  white  and  ghastly  against  the  sudden  glare; 
the  skirmishers  along  the  flanks  came  back  toward  us  at  a 


The  Surprise  of  Dalzell's  Men          341 

run,  some  falling  in  their  tracks,  others  stumbling,  weakened 
by  wounds.  Savages,  certain  of  victory  —  horrible-looking, 
painted  devils  —  leaped  after  them  into  the  open,  brandish- 
ing their  guns,  their  fierce  yells  making  of  the  night  a  pan- 
demonium. Then  Dalzell  —  a  tall,  slender  fellow,  with 
closely  trimmed  beard,  his  eyes  glowing  like  two  coals  of 
fire  —  stormed  down  the  shrinking  line;  Gray  joined  him, 
and  another  officer  called  Brown.  For  a  moment  it  was 
touch  and  go.  I  grasped  a  musket  from  out  the  open  hand 
of  a  dead  soldier,  and  flung  myself  in  front  of  Mademoi- 
selle. But  I  barely  had  snapped  its  lock  in  trial,  when  those 
shattered  troops  rallied,  swung  cheering  forward  into  close 
formation,  and  swept  that  accursed  trail  clear  of  savages 
from  one  black  covert  to  another,  the  night  a  babel  of  cries, 
a  volcano  of  spurting  fire.  Discipline  had  conquered;  be- 
neath goading  and  taunts,  cursing  and  blows,  those  fright- 
ened entities  had  become  welded  once  more  into  a  fighting 
machine,  a  swift,  merciless  engine  of  destruction ;  had  been 
made  a  rock  against  which  the  red  waves  of  savagery 
would  break  in  vain.  I  tell  you  it  was  fine  to  see  —  the 
Briton  had  set  his  teeth,  had  become  a  wounded  bear  at 
bay;  he  would  die  in  his  tracks  now,  fighting  desperately 
while  he  retained  strength  to  strike  a  blow. 

I  was  yet  staring  at  this  dim,  ever-changing  picture,  my 
soldier  instinct  thrilling  responsive  to  the  gallantry  of  it, 
when  Mademoiselle  called,  her  voice  strained  with  anxiety : 

"  Monsieur,  help  Lieutenant  Challoner ;  he  has  been 
wounded." 

I  turned  toward  them  in  surprise,  finding  him  lying  ex- 
tended upon  the  ground,  with  both  women  bending  sympa- 
thetically above  him.  Instantly,  all  else  forgotten,  I  dropped 
upon  my  knees,  lifting  his  head  upon  my  arm.  His  face 
was  ghastly,  yet  his  eyes  smiled  confidently  back  into  mine. 

"  It  is  not  much,  De  Coubert,"  he  said  quietly.  "  A  ball 
touched  me  in  the  left  arm  and  side  during  that  last  melee, 


342  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

but  I  doubt  if  it  is  more  than  a  flesh  wound.  It  is  loss  of 
blood  that  leaves  me  so  faint." 

I  looked  anxiously  about  for  some  one  to  help  transport 
him  to  the  rear.  There  were  soldiers  along  the  abutments  of 
the  bridge,  but  those  who  had  been  in  column  near  us  were 
now  skirmishing  hotly  down  the  road.  At  that  moment  Gray 
came  back  hurriedly.  Upon  sound  of  my  shout  he  halted. 

"  Challoner  wounded  ?  That 's  bad,  but  we  '11  get  him 
fixed  safely  in  a  minute.  We  have  two  batteaux  yonder  on 
the  creek,  and  shall  send  the  women  and  wounded  to  the  fort 
by  water.  I  am  after  bearers  now.  I  tell  you  this  is  bound 
to  be  a  big  fight.  Pontiac  is  receiving  reinforcements,  and 
even  now  we  can  barely  hold  our  front." 

Stooping  merely  long  enough  to  cast  one  hasty,  compas- 
sionate glance  into  the  face  of  the  suffering  officer,  he  hur- 
ried away,  and  I  heard  his  voice  issuing  quick,  peremptory 
commands  at  the  bridge.  We  waited  in  silence.  I  cast  one 
glance  at  Mademoiselle  as  she  sat  on  the  ground,  her  hand 
clasping  that  of  the  Lieutenant,  her  face  as  white  as  his 
own.  Rene  upon  the  other  side  was  crying  softly.  Then 
men  bearing  blankets  twisted  about  their  gun  barrels,  thus 
forming  rudely  improvised  litters,  passed  us  upon  a  run. 
Some  came  back  with  heavy,  groaning  burdens.  Then  a 
red-coated  sergeant  touched  me  on  the  shoulder. 

"  Orders  to  take  the  wounded  officer,  with  the  ladies,  to 
the  boat,"  he  said  gravely.  "  Give  me  a  hand  here  with  the 
litter." 

From  his  gruff  tone  of  command  it  was  evident  he  sup- 
posed me  no  more  than  an  engage,  but  without  stopping  to 
enlighten  him,  I  took  hold,  and  in  all  tenderness  we  bore 
Challoner  between  us  back  toward  the  bridge  head.  The 
girls  followed,  their  arms  wound  about  each  other  in  sup- 
port, and  I  could  hear  the  stifled  sobs  of  Rene  as  we 
tramped  along.  A  small  party  of  troops  went  by  us,  their 
guns  thrown  eagerly  forward,  their  set  faces  toward  the 


The  Surprise  of  Dalzell's  Men          343 

front,  where  the  firing  seemed  growing  heavier.  A  guard 
of  perhaps  thirty  men  remained  before  the  bridge,  and  the 
young  officer  in  command  motioned  us  with  his  sword  to 
carry  our  burden  down  the  bank  to  where  we  could  see  the 
dim  outlines  of  two  boats  revealed  by  the  uncertain  light 
of  flickering  lanterns.  He  gazed  curiously  at  the  women  as 
we  passed,  but  contented  himself  with  hastening  the  move- 
ments of  the  sergeant. 

"  Hurry  along,  Joyce ;  there  must  be  a  dozen  more  coming 
behind  you,  and  the  Lord  only  knows  how  long  we  can  con- 
tinue to  hold  back  those  red  devils." 

"Is  your  entire  force  engaged  ? "  I  questioned,  as  Joyce 
sought  safe  foothold  on  the  steep  bank. 

The  officer  swept  me  with  his  eyes,  as  if  wondering  at  the 
audacity  which  enabled  me  to  address  him  thus. 

"  All,  except  the  few  you  see  here  at  the  bridge.  Come, 
move  on ;  we  must  get  these  boats  away  before  those  fellows 
out  there  are  driven  back,  and,  Saint  George !  I  believe  they 
are  coming  now." 

We  deposited  our  burden  in  the  larger  of  the  two  boats, 
where  a  number  of  wounded  men  were  already  lying,  and  I 
stepped  back  upon  the  gunwale,  assisting  the  two  silent  girls 
to  places  beside  him.  I  saw  Mademoiselle  lift  his  head  and 
rest  it  upon  her  lap,  while  Rene  bent  over  him,  her  white 
handkerchief  wiping  the  perspiration  from  his  face.  I  be- 
lieved I  was  utterly  forgotten  in  their  anxiety  for  Challoner ; 
yet  as  I  stepped  back  again  upon  the  black  shore,  Mademoi- 
selle looked  up  quickly,  and  called  to  me. 

"  Captain  De  Coubert,  surely  you  go  with  us  ?  " 

"  No,  Mademoiselle,"  I  answered  gravely,  yet  feeling  her 
inquiry  an  odd  comfort.  "  There  is  plenty  of  work  for  every 
arm  to-night,  and  I  fight  under  the  red  banner  of  England." 


CHAPTER   XXXIII 

BENEATH   THE   ENGLISH   FLAG 

I  LINGERED  there,  in  the  gloomy  shadows  of  those 
overhanging  trees,  watching  everything  passing  below 
me  in  the  boats.  I  was  safely  beyond  observation,  yet  I 
could  see  Mademoiselle's  face  where  the  feeble  lantern  light 
flickered  over  it,  and  marked,  with  throb  of  unrestrained 
delight,  how  eagerly  she  scanned  that  dark  bank  as  though 
still  seeking  me.  Body  after  body  was  borne  down  the 
steep  track,  and  deposited  within  the  boats,  the  bearers 
being  driven  faster  and  faster  in  their  unpleasant  duty  by 
the  sharp-voiced  officer  stationed  above.  The  continuous 
din  of  faring  seemed  constantly  drawing  nearer,  as  though 
the  slender  English  fighting  lines  were  being  steadily  forced 
backward  by  overwhelming  numbers,  while  the  unceasing 
glow  of  the  rifle  flames  lit  up  those  black  branches  arched 
above  me.  I  could  distinguish  the  fierce  voices  of  the 
combatants,  with  occasionally  peremptory  tones  of  command. 
No  doubt  I  might  be  of  service  out  yonder,  yet  I  would 
not  leave  until  that  boat  bearing  my  lady  should  be  safely 
out  upon  the  broad  river.  The  delay  was  not  long,  although 
it  seemed  so  then;  the  soldiers  worked  feverishly,  the 
last  parties  coming  down  the  bank  on  a  run,  the  officer 
above  leaning  over  to  urge  them  to  greater  rapidity.  The 
hitherto  silent  rifles  of  the  guard  at  the  bridge  began  to 
spit  flames,  and  I  could  hear  the  spiteful  zip  of  bullets 
through  the  boughs  overhead. 

"  Cast  off !    cast  off,  Durand !  "  came  a  sudden  shout. 
"  All  are  in  we  are  able  to  pick  up,  and  you  may  have  a 


Beneath  the  English  Flag  345 

fight  for  it  even  now  to  get  back  into  the  river.     How 
many  riflemen  have  you?" 

"  Six  to  the  boat,  sir." 

"  Hardly  enough,  but  it  will  have  to  do.  Cut  the  ropes 
at  once,  and  get  away.  I  doubt  if  we  shall  be  able  to  hold 
this  bridge  five  minutes  longer." 

I  saw  the  glitter  of  a  knife,  caught  one  more  faint  glimpse 
of  that  fair  face  I  loved;  then  the  lanterns  flickered  sud- 
denly out,  leaving  the  night  black  over  the  water.  I  heard 
a  low  order  spoken,  the  splash  of  oars,  the  moan  of  a 
wounded  man,  and  the  two  dim  smudges  I  knew  were  boats 
faded  slowly  away  down  stream.  Over  the  hubbub  above 
me  roared  out  the  stentorian  voice  of  Captain  Dalzell: 

"  Grant,  move  your  men  back  to  the  other  shore.  Take 
position  rapidly  now.  The  Rangers  and  the  Fifty-fifth  will 
defend  this  approach  until  you  are  safely  over." 

I  sprang  up  the  steep  bank,  my  gun  loaded  and  ready, 
feeling  perfectly  free  at  last  to  hurl  myself  headlong  into 
the  doubtful  fortunes  of  the  fight.  Saint  Denis!  but  that 
was  no  encouraging  sight  which  greeted  me.  Twenty  or 
more  men,  their  red  coats  glaringly  conspicuous  in  the 
outbursts  of  light,  were  at  the  bridge  head,  many  of  them 
kneeling,  all  firing  rapidly  into  the  dense  masses  of  under- 
brush closely  bordering  the  trail.  Beyond,  in  the  open,  as 
many  more  were  running  toward  us,  stopping  now  and 
then  to  send  back  spiteful  shots  into  the  gloom,  where,  in 
that  far  distance,  I  could  occasionally  distinguish  faint 
figures  leaping  black  and  savage  in  some  sudden  outburst 
of  fire.  Rifle  flames  cleaved  the  air  on  every  side,  spring- 
ing from  the  heart  of  dark  coverts,  spurting  out  of  the 
tops  of  trees,  forming  a  perfect  ring  of  fire  along  the  low 
fence  guarding  the  Meloche  house,  and  glittering  like  fire- 
flies farther  down  the  trail.  The  noise  was  like  the  sharp 
crackling  of  near-by  thunder,  solidifying  into  a  deep,  sullen 
roar  as  the  barking  reports  blended,  the  unceasing  storm  of 


346  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

lead  zipping  through  the  forest  leaves  like  a  swarm  of  angry 
bees.  Mingled  with  all  this  arose  the  yells  and  cursing 
of  the  battling  soldiery,  who  were  being  steadily  driven 
back,  the  pitiful  cries  of  wounded,  deserted  to  their  fate,  the 
gruff  shouts  of  command;  while  above  all,  rising  stronger 
and  stronger  in  fiendish  exultation,  pealed  the  ferocious 
war  whoop  of  the  advancing  savages. 

I  saw  all  this  with  one  quick  glance,  my  blood  leaping 
through  my  veins,  my  heart  pounding  madly.  The  next 
instant  the  soldier  at  my  right  flung  up  his  hands,  the  gun 
he  had  been  using  rattling  to  the  ground,  as  he  reeled 
heavily  against  me.  I  caught  him  as  he  fell,  yet  one  glimpse 
at  his  face  told  me  I  held  a  dead  man,  and  I  laid  the  corpse 
down,  stripped  him  of  his  powder  horn,  and  ran  hastily  for- 
ward to  join  those  grimly  battling  men  out  in  the  open. 
They  were  without  uniforms,  as  I  could  see  plainly  enough 
now,  attired  in  hunting  shirts  and  fringed  leggings,  their 
head-coverings  varied  and  peculiar.  Without  questioning,  I 
knew  I  had  allied  my  fortunes  for  that  night  with  Rogers' 
Rangers.  As  I  pressed  into  their  skirmish  line,  upon  my 
right  was  a  man  of  sixty,  with  long  gray  beard  and  the  frame 
of  a  Hercules,  half  kneeling  to  fire  his  long  rifle  as  though  in 
target  practice,  his  thin  lips  tightly  set,  his  eyes  glowing  with 
the  fierce  passions  of  battle;  upon  my  left  a  mere  boy 
danced  about  in  mad  excitement,  shouting  crazily  with  each 
shot  he  sent  at  those  forms  skulking  before  him  in  the  gloom, 
perfectly  oblivious  of  the  blood  streaming  from  a  severe 
wound  in  his  forehead. 

"  Steady  now,  lads,"  cried  a  voice  which  pierced  that 
hideous  uproar  like  the  blade  of  a  sword.  "  Fall  back  to  the 
bridge;  the  soldiers  have  all  passed  over.  Take  it  slowly, 
and  keep  up  your  fire." 

It  was  already  ticklish  work,  for  not  only  were  those  leap- 
ing fiends  fronting  us  down  the  open  trail,  but  the  black 
bushes  along  either  side  hid  scores  of  skulking  marksmen, 


Beneath  the  English  Flag  347 

whose  fire  almost  scorched  our  faces.  At  the  bridge  head, 
protected  somewhat  by  the  high  wooden  supports,  we  again 
halted,  pouring  such  rapid  volleys  into  those  red  devils  press- 
ing against  us  as  to  hold  them  back  yelling  but  impotent, 
and  sweeping  the  near-by  bushes  with  a  constant  and  deadly 
storm  of  lead.  Rogers  passed  back  and  forth  down  the  rear 
of  our  slender  line,  calling  each  man  by  name,  and  speaking 
hearty  words  of  encouragement.  Occasionally  he  would 
suddenly  fling  forward  his  long  rifle  across  the  iron  shoulder 
of  some  borderman,  and  take  hasty  shot  at  a  dim  figure 
within  range.  I  caught  glimpses  of  him  in  the  continual 
flare  —  a  strong,  compact  figure,  a  square- jawed  face,  with 
prominent  nose  and  deeply  indented  eyes;  his  plain  dress 
that  of  the  frontier,  his  manner  blunt,  comradely,  straight- 
forward. As  he  came  to  me  he  peered  into  my  face  in 
puzzled  amazement. 

"  By  the  Eternal,  you  shoot  well,  friend,"  he  exclaimed 
cordially,  "yet  never  before  saw  I  you  in  this  company. 
Did  you  drop  from  the  sky,  or  come  up  from  below  for 
exercise  ?  " 

"  An  escaped  prisoner,  returning  my  compliments  to  those 
fiends  yonder  for  courtesies  received." 

He  laughed,  patting  the  stock  of  his  rifle,  his  eyes  ever 
shifting  from  my  face  to  the  battle  scene  in  our  front. 

"  Ay,  and  a  Frenchman  at  that,  by  the  twist  of  your 
tongue,"  he  responded.  "  Yet  't  is  little  I  care  for  the  blood, 
so  you  continue  to  fight  well.  Stand  up  to  the  music,  Parley- 
Voo,  and  you  '11  always  have  a  friend  in  Bob  Rogers." 

He  stopped  suddenly,  listening  to  a  sharp  rattle  of  guns 
in  our  rear.  The  sound  rolled  down  the  long  line  through 
the  blackness,  ominous  of  evil. 

"  Fall  back,  boys,"  he  cried,  realizing  instantly  the  dire 
meaning  of  it.  "  Don't  hurry  too  much  now,  but  we  must 
make  touch  with  the  red-coats.  The  savages  have  got  across 
the  stream,  and  are  already  firing  into  the  column." 


348  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

That  which  so  swiftly  followed  has  long  since  become 
history,  written  down  by  far  abler  pens  than  mine.  I  was 
only  a  very  small  part  of  it,  a  mere  unit  in  that  slender 
firing  line,  seeing  little  excepting  that  narrow  space  directly 
before  me,  realizing  little  but  to  fire  constantly  as  we  con- 
tinually fell  back,  step  by  step,  before  the  fierce  advance  of 
the  insolent,  outflanking,  yelling  foe.  I  am  glad  I  was  there 
that  night;  glad  to  have  thus  beholden  Englishmen  in  des- 
perate battle,  to  have  seen  with  my  own  eyes  their  mettle 
tested  to  the  full.  I  witnessed  the  sullen  defiance  of  their 
retreat,  the  cool  audacity  with  which  they  wheeled  to  hold 
back  those  thronging,  exultant  warriors  bursting  upon  them 
from  out  each  black  forest  shelter.  Outnumbered  ten  to  one, 
facing  an  unseen  foe,  the  fire  of  death  flaring  at  them  con- 
tinually from  front  and  flank  and  rear,  groping  their  way 
through  bewildering  darkness,  after  that  first  mad  moment 
of  panic,  they  fought  heroic,  despairing  battle  to  the  end. 
I  saw  them  fall  and  die,  reel  back  wounded  but  without 
moan  of  pain,  left  helpless  to  the  coming  of  those  red  tor- 
turers, yet  with  brave  lips  cheering  us  even  as  we  lost  sight 
of  them  in  the  closing  gloom.  The  boy  on  my  left  dis- 
appeared, I  knew  not  when  nor  how.  A  tall  man,  with 
black  moustache,  held  that  place  next  to  me,  but  the  old  gray- 
beard  upon  the  other  side,  hatless  now,  a  handkerchief  bound 
across  one  eye,  fired  on  with  sullen  deliberation,  giving  back 
slowly  with  the  rest,  as  if  every  inch  he  thus  yielded  were 
positive  pain. 

The  sky  above  became  faintly  gray  with  the  slow  coming 
of  the  reluctant  dawn,  but  the  heavy  river  fog  hung  dense 
and  sodden,  shutting  down  about  us  in  great  fleecy  curtains, 
even  more  bewildering  than  had  been  the  preceding  darkness 
of  night.  Those  thick,  obscuring  mist-clouds  rose  and  fell 
like  waves  when  the  rifle  flashes  cleft  them  asunder,  increas- 
ing to  such  thickness  I  could  barely  see  a  dozen  men  from 
me  down  the  scattered  file.  In  the  open  to  our  front  a  ser- 


Beneath  the  English  Flag  349 

geant  of  the  Fifty-fifth  lay  sorely  wounded,  his  eyes  staring 
pathetically  after  us  as  we  slowly  gave  way  before  the  ad- 
vancing savages.  Dalzell  saw  him,  and  in  an  instant  his  tall 
form  leaped  recklessly  forth  into  that  enshrouding  mist.  But 
even  as  he  bent  above  the  man  to  lift  him,  a  storm  of  bul- 
lets struck,  and  he  went  down,  dead  before  he  touched  the 
ground.  I  strove  to  reach  him,  shouting  to  those  nearest 
me  as  I  sprang  hastily  forward,  but  none  followed,  and  I 
was  hurled  backward,  stunned  and  blinded  by  a  volley  which 
seemed  fairly  to  scorch  my  face.  As  I  came  staggering 
again  to  my  feet,  above  us,  like  a  clarion,  roared  Rogers 's 
voice  of  command : 

"  The  house  on  the  left,  lads.  Clear  those  devils  out  of 
that  house  there  on  the  left ! " 

Seeing  nothing  except  the  spits  of  fire,  hearing  nothing 
but  the  deafening  roar  and  rattle,  mingled  with  savage  yells, 
we  leaped  through  the  dense  fog  like  so  many  madmen, 
clambering,  stumbling,  falling  up  the  steep  bank,  pounded 
the  barred  door  down  with  our  rifle  butts,  and  dashed  into 
that  smoke-enshrouded  interior,  driving  those  skulking  red 
demons  out  like  so  many  ants,  battering  our  remorseless 
way  through  them  until  we  attained  the  further  wall.  And 
there  they  trapped  us,  the  merest  handful,  grimly  and  hope- 
lessly fronting  those  ever-increasing  hordes  without.  S  acre  I 
how  the  memory  stirs  me;  how  clearly  lives  that  picture 
of  desperate  struggle  painted  upon  my  brain.  The  bare, 
desolate  walls,  the  broken,  overturned  furniture;  the  stern, 
powder-stained  faces  of  the  men  about  me,  many  bleeding 
from  forgotten  wounds;  the  thick,  stifling  smoke,  amid 
which  we  groped  blindly ;  the  ceaseless  red  flare  of  our  rifles ; 
the  curses  and  groans  ;  the  sharp  incisive  tones  of  command ; 
the  motionless  bodies  we  trod  upon  as  we  changed  positions ; 
and  old  Campau  bareheaded  and  white  haired,  standing  like 
a  statue  over  the  trap-door,  seeking  thus  to  protect  his 
women  huddled  in  fright  below. 


35°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Pardieu!  that  was  a  death-trap,  an  inferno,  a  memory  to 
burn  the  mind  until  death  comes  as  a  release.  Yet  how  little 
I  recall  what  happened  —  so  little  it  seems  a  dream,  some- 
thing shadowy  in  which  I  bore  no  real  part.  Faith,  't  is  better 
so,  or  never  a  soldier  yet  but  would  turn  sick  at  remembrance 
of  his  battles.  I  know  I  fired  unceasingly,  my  gun-barrel 
hot  to  the  hand,  grasping  powder  and  ball  from  beside  the 
dead  upon  the  floor  —  fired  from  door,  and  window,  and 
loop-hole  into  that  shifting  mist  without,  which  was  red- 
dened by  flame  and  shrieking  with  the  ferocious  cries  of 
savages,  punctuated  here  and  there  by  glimpses  of  dark, 
leaping  forms.  I  heard  the  chug  of  balls  against  the  solid 
logs,  the  screams  of  the  stricken;  I  saw  men  reel  and  fall, 
the  ghastly  faces,  the  crimson  stains;  I  felt  the  wind  of 
bullets  fan  me,  the  sharp  sting  as  one  seared  my  flesh;  I 
choked  in  the  dense  smoke-cloud,  my  eyes  blinded  and 
aching.  Twice  they  sought  fiercely  to  press  in  upon  us,  and 
we  hurled  them  back,  striking  those  red  hands  clutching  the 
window  frames,  and  battering  with  our  rifle  butts  against 
their  wedged  bodies  in  the  doorway.  It  was  then  I  caught 
one  crazed  glimpse  at  the  face  of  old  Anse,  his  head  bare, 
his  coat  ripped  wide  open,  his  eyes  blazing  with  the  demon 
light  of  battle.  I  leaped  toward  him,  but  he  went  down  curs- 
ing before  I  could  beat  my  way  through  the  crush,  and  when 
we  finally  cleared  the  door  of  that  red  scum,  there  he  lay 
dead  across  the  threshold.  All  this  is  before  me;  but  be- 
yond, nothing.  Of  how  we  who  lived  came  forth  I  have  no 
memory ;  it  is  with  God,  hidden  behind  the  swirling  smoke, 
the  struggling,  reeling,  falling  figures  crowding  that  room 
of  carnage.  Those  who  have  since  written  the  history  of 
that  day  say  it  was  the  boats  upon  the  river  that  saved  us, 
sweeping  the  bank  with  their  swivel  guns  until  the  Indians 
fell  back,  thus  permitting  our  escape  from  that  charnel  house. 
All  that  I  personally  know  is  this:  there  suddenly  came  a 
time  when  we  ran  for  it,  scrambling  down  the  steep  slope 


Beneath  the  English  Flag  351 

through  those  thick  banks  of  swirling  cloud,  stumbling 
across  the  dead  bodies  lying  thickly  in  our  path,  yet  ever 
guided  by  Rogers's  dominant  voice,  until  we  came  somehow 
into  contact  once  again  with  those  battling  red-coats  who 
composed  the  rearguard  of  that  retreating  column. 

And  inch  by  inch  we  fought  our  way  southward  —  five 
hours  winning  a  mile  and  a  half  —  every  dark  covert  of  the 
woods,  every  fence  of  oaken  pickets,  every  Canadian  door- 
yard,  pouring  into  us  missiles  of  death.  About  us  the  fog 
wrapped  its  clammy  folds  of  undulating  vapor,  while  we 
struggled  grimly  on,  firing  blindly  at  those  flashes  of  flame 
playing  like  fireflies  to  right  and  left  and  rear.  It  was  like 
a  march  through  hell,  with  every  ghastly  form  of  torture 
fronting  us  wherever  our  eyes  strayed,  every  man  holding 
his  life  by  sheer  hard  fighting,  more  than  once  hand  to  hand. 
And  so,  at  last  —  it  was  eight  of  the  clock,  they  told  me  — 
weary  and  wounded  and  heartsick,  we  of  that  stricken  rem- 
nant staggered  in  through  the  opened  gate  of  the  Detroit 
stockade,  and  those  great  oaken  doors  crashed  tight  behind 
us,  shutting  out  that  hell  of  battle  which  had  pursued  us  re- 
morselessly to  the  end. 

Faint  and  dizzy  from  the  first  reaction  of  such  breathless 
struggle,  I  leaned  back  against  the  log  wall.  All  I  seemed 
conscious  of  was  that  it  was  over ;  I  could  take  free  breath 
again.  Moaning  on  the  ground  at  my  feet  lay  the  poor 
fellow  I  had  dragged  in  that  last  moment  to  safety;  about 
on  every  side,  panting  from  exertion,  ragged,  blood-stained, 
white  of  face,  their  eyes  yet  blazing  fiercely,  were  those  who 
had  come  back  —  some  fallen  prone  from  sheer  exhaustion, 
others  trembling  like  leaves  in  storm,  a  very  few  among 
them  yet  holding  manfully  to  their  places  in  rank,  grasping 
the  still  hot  and  smoking  barrels  of  their  rifles.  Then  a  man 
strode  in  amongst  us,  bareheaded,  his  short  cropped  hair 
iron  gray,  his  eyes  stern,  his  lips  trembling. 

"  My  God !  "  he  cried,  gazing  about  him  like  one  de- 


352  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

mented.  "  Is  this  all  ?  Is  this  all  ?  Captain  Dalzell,  what 
does  this  mean  ?  My  God,  sir,  what  does  this  mean  ?  " 

It  was  Grant  who  stepped  forward,  his  red  coat  slashed 
from  shoulder  to  waist,  his  head  bound  about  with  a  bloody 
handkerchief,  his  face  blackened  with  powder. 

"  I  am  compelled  to  report  that  Captain  Dalzell  is  dead, 
sir,"  he  responded  gravely.  "  I  had  the  honor  of  bringing 
in  what  remained  alive  of  the  detachment." 

"  Dead !  Dalzell  dead  ?  "  Gladwyn  echoed  the  word,  as 
though  he  scarcely  comprehended  its  meaning.  "  Where  is 
his  body?" 

"  We  were  forced  to  leave  it  behind,  sir,  in  order  to 
save  the  living.  The  fighting  has  been  most  desperate  for 
five  hours,  and  at  times  seemed  hopeless.  We  brought  in 
most  of  the  wounded,  but  not  all.  Did  the  batteaux  laden 
with  injured  and  women  arrive  safe?" 

"  Safe  ?  Yes,  but  what  a  strain  to  thus  learn  of  your 
predicament,  and  have  no  men  to  send  to  your  relief!  I 
can  scarcely  bear  such  burden.  But,  Captain,  your  com- 
mand is  completely  worn  out;  dismiss  them  to  the  barracks, 
and  we  will  give  our  attention  to  the  wounded." 

I  walked  along  among  those  men  beside  whom  I  had 
fought,  knowing  nothing  better  to  do,  and  so  completely  ex- 
hausted as  to  care  only  for  an  opportunity  to  lie  down.  With 
Gladwyn's  words  telling  of  the  safe  arrival  of  the  boats 
all  incentive  to  further  action  left  me.  I  stumbled  into  a 
vacant  bunk  —  there  were  plenty  of  them  that  morning  in 
Detroit  —  and  scarcely  had  my  head  pressed  the  hard  straw 
pillow  before  I  was  unconscious. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV 

I   RECEIVE   NEWS  FROM    HOME 

I  WAS  aroused  by  a  heavy  hand  laid  upon  my  shoulder, 
and  a  gruff  voice  speaking ;  but  at  first,  so  dulled  were 
my  faculties  from  sleep,  I  could  distinguish  no  words.  My 
eyes  finally  opening  I  looked  up  into  the  face  of  the  old 
Ranger  who  had  fought  beside  me  during  the  night  battle. 
His  white  beard  streamed  far  down  upon  his  chest,  but  his 
eyes  were  bright,  and  filled  with  anxious  interest. 

"  Come,  comrade,"  he  said  kindly,  "  wake  up  if  you  care 
to  eat  this  day.  You  can  sleep,  it  seems,  as  well  as  fight." 

Although  every  bone  within  my  body  ached  I  sat  up,  my 
head  touching  the  bunk  above,  and  glanced  about,  curious 
as  to  my  surroundings,  yet  remaining  somewhat  dazed  from 
such  heavy  slumber.  It  was  a  long,  low  room,  and  not  wide, 
having  a  door  near  the  centre  of  it,  with  small  windows 
at  either  end.  These  were  open,  and  without  glass.  Per- 
haps twenty  men  were  gathered  within,  most  of  them  clus- 
tered near  the  lower  window,  engaged  in  eating,  their  ration 
being  spread  upon  a  low  table.  The  entire  length  of  one  wall 
•was  occupied  by  sleeping-bunks  arranged  in  tiers,  while  in 
the  upper  corner  were  several  stacks  of  rifles,  together  with 
a  variety  of  other  military  equipment.  I  saw  all  this  at  a 
glance,  even  as  I  responded  good-humoredly  to  the  gray- 
beard,  taking  from  his  hand  the  food  offered. 

"  I  have  had  more  than  the  one  night  of  it,  friend,"  I  ex- 
plained, my  mind  reverting  in  a  flash  to  all  those  swiftly- 
occurring  events,  "  and  came  in  here  as  thoroughly  worn  out 
in  body  and  mind  as  ever  I  have  been  in  life.  I  am  glad  to 


354  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

see  you  came  forth  in  safety  from  that  hell  of  Indian  fire. 
I  missed  you  after  we  left  the  house,  and  feared  you  had 
gone  down  with  the  others." 

He  stroked  his  long  beard  reflectively,  and  there  was  no 
answering  smile  in  his  eyes. 

"  It  was  rather  a  mixed-up  affair  after  that,"  he  replied 
gravely,  "  an'  I  did  most  uv  my  fightin'  long  with  them  red- 
coats uv  the  Fifty-fifth.  I  reckon  thet  's  why  ye  lost  sight 
uv  me  fer  a  while.  But  I  wus  thar,  just  the  same,  an' 
keepin'  the  brown  barrel  het  up.  Did  n't  I  hear  ol'  Rogers 
call  ye  a  Frinchman  about  the  time  we  wus  tryin'  ter  hold 
the  bridge  —  long  whin  ye  furst  jined  in  atween  me  an'  thet 
Hollisboy?" 

"  He  made  a  stiff  guess  at  it,  and  chanced  to  be  right. 
I  am  French." 

"  I  sorter  reckoned  as  how  ye  wus,  fer  yer  English  ain't 
spoke  jist  like  ours.  Well  I  'm  from  down  York  way,  tmt 
derned  if  I  care  much  where  a  feller  cums  frum  so  he  's  got 
sand  in  him,  ner  neither  does  the  rist  uv  the  boys,  only  we 
naturally  wus  n't  expectin'  much  out  uv  a  Frinchman.  But 
blamed  if  ye  did  n't  fight  like  a  regular  rip-tarring  ol'  devil 
out  yonder  in  the  dark,  an'  we  sorter  agreed  atween  us  thet 
if  it  wus  accordin'  ter  yer  wishes,  we  'd  kinder  like  ter  have 
ye  stay  long  with  us  in  the  Rangers.  Bill  Hicks  an'  a  lot 
uv  us  hev  sorter  been  talkin'  it  over  while  ye  slept,  an'  while 
none  uv  us  ever  took  no  stock  in  Frinchmen  afore,  the 
boys  told  me  ter  put  it  ter  ye  whinever  ye  woke  up,  an'  see 
whut  ye  'd  say.  Thar  ain't  overly  much  pay  in  it,  but  thar  's 
liable  ter  be  a  fair  amount  uv  fightin',  so  long  as  Bob  Rogers 
hes  eny  show  ter  git  in." 

His  manner  was  kindly,  full  of  the  solicitude  of  comrade- 
ship, and  I  thanked  him  warmly,  promising  an  early  decision. 
After  he  had  rejoined  the  others  I  sat  there  eating  slowly, 
my  mind  busied  with  the  new  problem  which  had  been  in- 
stantly brought  to  the  front  by  his  words.  What,  indeed, 


I  Receive  News  from  Home  355 

was  I  to  do?  Out  yonder  in  the  forest,  surrounded  by 
dangers  innumerable,  my  only  thought  had  been  any  possible 
means  of  escape.  But  now,  within  this  English  stockade, 
the  awkwardness  of  my  position  became  most  apparent,  the 
complications  most  perplexing.  Why  not  accept  this  propo- 
sition of  the  graybeard?  How  else  could  I  better  hope  to 
extricate  myself  from  so  peculiar  a  situation?  Indeed,  how 
else  could  I  better  serve  myself?  I  was  neither  prisoner 
nor  soldier  in  this  garrison ;  neither  friend  nor  foe.  I  pos- 
sessed absolutely  no  standing  whatever,  save  what  little  I 
had  won  in  those  hours  of  breathless  fighting,  nor  could 
I  clearly  perceive  how  I  was  at  all  likely  to  establish  any.  I 
possessed  no  papers,  no  uniform,  no  slightest  insignia  of 
rank  to  bear  out  my  story,  or  create  a  basis  for  any  claim  to 
military  courtesy  on  behalf  of  the  officers  of  Detroit.  I  was 
a  pariah,  an  outcast,  a  mere  dog  without  a  home;  entitled 
to  no  respect,  no  consideration  other  than  might  be  accorded 
to  any  wandering  coureur  de  bois.  And  then,  parbleu!  so 
far  as  I  could  perceive,  there  was  nowhere  else,  no  spot  in 
all  that  western  country,  in  which  I  could  be  any  better  off. 
Even  were  it  possible  for  me  to  escape  perfectly  free  from 
the  restrictions  of  this  English  stockade  —  if  the  gates  were 
unbarred  to  me  —  where  could  I  go  ?  It  was  hardly  likely 
that  Monsieur  de  Villiers  would  offer  me  a  specially  cordial 
reception  on  my  return  to  Chartres.  He  was  a  man  not 
greatly  given  to  the  acceptance  of  excuses  for  failure.  His 
hand  was  cordial  enough  when  there  was  work  to  be  accom- 
plished, but  it  could  also  prove  hard  upon  occasion.  Be- 
sides, had  he  not  frankly  warned  me  that  in  case  of  capture, 
no  such  name  as  mine  would  be  found  on  the  French  army 
lists.  I  shrugged  my  shoulders  at  this  characteristic  memory 
of  him,  and  at  my  faded  dreams  of  re-won  French  commis- 
sion. Then  there  were  the  Indians  to  be  reckoned  with  — 
Pontiac's  braves,  now  flushed  with  the  success  of  bloody 
victory,  and  vigilantly  guarding  every  trail.  No,  it  was  not 


356  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Monsieur  de  Villiers ;  and  if  not,  what  then  ?  The  Rangers 
as  well  as  any ;  they  were  a  rough  lot  of  border  fighters,  no 
doubt,  possessing  small  discipline,  and  employed  mostly 
upon  Indian  service.  Hardly  as  I  had  been  treated,  I  would 
yet  never  consent  to  bear  arms  against  France;  but  this 
Pontiac  —  sacre!  I  was  willing  enough  to  fight  it  out  with 
him. 

It  was  at  this  point  my  thought  recurred  to  Mademoiselle, 
and  for  the  moment  all  else  faded  away  before  that  memory. 
How  feverishly  my  mind  dwelt  upon  the  simple  incidents 
of  that  strange,  intimate  walk  through  those  savage- 
haunted  forest  aisles  —  the  confiding  touch  of  her  hand,  the 
soft  intonations  of  her  voice,  the  words  she  spoke  so  gra- 
ciously, the  upturned  gray  eyes  when  I  left  her  within  the 
boat,  and  above  all  the  sweet  intoxication  of  that  moment 
when  I  bore  her  across  the  stream  pressed  close  within  my 
arms,  her  hair  brushing  my  cheek.  That  was  all  over  with 
now,  a  dream  and  nothing  more ;  I  had  no  doubt  she  would 
go  back  to  her  own  people,  I  to  the  intense  loneliness  of 
the  great  woods.  Sometime,  perhaps,  amid  the  glamour 
of  London  drawing-rooms,  my  face  might  rise  again  out 
of  the  mist  of  the  past  to  vex  her  memory  with  an  in- 
stant of  regret,  but  that  would  be  all;  already,  by  her 
mere  coming  into  the  safety  of  this  isolated  frontier  post 
of  her  nation,  the  abyss  had  again  opened  wide  between 
us,  a  chasm  which  could  never  be  bridged.  That  forest 
intimacy,  born  of  our  mutual  danger  and  need,  was  now 
altogether  of  the  past;  perchance  ere  this  she  had  regretted 
it,  her  pride  of  caste  more  dominant  than  ever  in  moment 
of  reaction.  And  then,  there  was  Challoner.  I  knew  the 
plighted  word  of  an  Englishwoman  was  held  as  a  sacred 
thing,  nor  had  I  slightest  cause  to  deem  that  she  had  ever 
for  a  moment  regretted  it,  for  in  my  heart  I  felt  him  to  be 
worthy  of  her,  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman.  So,  in  that 
time  of  decision,  my  own  duty  stood  before  me  sufficiently 


I  Receive  News  from  Home  357 

plain  —  I  could  dream  of  what  had  been,  of  what  indeed 
might  be  were  circumstances  only  slightly  different,  yet  I 
could  not  presume,  nor  press  any  claim  based  upon  so  frail 
a  foundation.  All  that  remained  was  to  avoid  her,  to  drop 
utterly  and  completely  out  of  her  life.  I  shut  my  teeth  to  it, 
for  it  was  a  resolve  full  of  a  deeper  mental  agony  than  any 
physical  could  ever  be;  yet  I  conquered  myself,  and  rose 
up  from  that  bunk  a  man. 

It  was  to  be  the  Rangers,  then.  Ah,  bien!  fate  might 
have  dealt  worse  with  me ;  yet  before  final  decision  it  would 
be  well  to  seek  interview  with  Major  Gladwyn,  and  tell  him 
my  story  frankly ;  such  act  might  by  a  miracle  open  before 
me  some  more  ambitious  plan.  I  walked  slowly  toward  that 
little  group  at  the  table,  recognizing  but  few  of  their  faces 
now  that  they  had  been  washed  clean  from  powder  smoke, 
but  becoming  conscious  as  they  eyed  me  of  my  own  dis- 
ordered appearance. 

"  Lads,"  I  said  heartily,  "  I  am  truly  grateful  for  the  invi- 
tation to  join  you,  and  am  inclined  to  think  well  of  it,  al- 
though last  night  was  the  first  time  I  ever  struck  a  blow 
under  your  flag.  But  what  I  need  the  most  now  is  a  chance 
to  spruce  up  a  bit,  and  some  clothing  to  take  the  place  of 
these  miserable  rags." 

Several  were  upon  their  feet  instantly,  and  one  laughed 
grimly  as  he  made  reply. 

"  Plenty  to  choose  from  now,  Monsieur,  for  it  was  a  small 
half  of  us  came  back  from  last  night's  shindy.  There  's  a 
pile  of  clothing  over  yonder,  such  as  it  is,  and  you  're  wel- 
come to  help  yourself." 

One  or  two,  among  them  the  old  graybeard,  assisted  me 
in  selecting  such  articles  of  apparel  as  I  stood  most  seriously 
in  need  of,  and  I  was  soon  quite  respectably  stocked,  al- 
though the  clothing  was  entirely  of  the  rough,  border  variety. 
I  discovered  the  fellows  about  me  to  be  good-hearted  lads 
in  the  main,  although  coarse  of  speech,  and  boisterous,  as 


358  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

was  natural  from  their  training  as  well  as  the  life  they  led. 
Tiring  somewhat  of  their  rude  jokes  and  border  boasting, 
and  becoming  anxious  to  push  my  own  affairs  to  some  con- 
clusion, after  I  had  washed  the  stains  from  my  face  and 
given  some  fresh  arrangement  to  my  hair,  I  left  them  and 
stepped  without  the  door,  hoping  from  there  to  gain  a 
glimpse  of  my  new  surroundings. 

I  was  never  of  a  disposition  greatly  inclined  to  melancholy, 
yet  I  was  far  from  happy  in  that  hour  of  bitter  disappoint- 
ment and  failure.  The  remembrance  of  another  opportunity 
lost,  together  with  the  recollection  of  Mademoiselle,  com- 
bined to  depress  my  spirits  to  the  lowest  ebb.  The  burden 
upon  me  just  then  was  indeed  a  heavy  one,  and  not  to  be 
easily  shaken  off.  Yet,  as  I  emerged  into  the  open,  some 
slight  feeling  of  curiosity  awakened,  and  I  gazed  about  with 
growing  interest  upon  the  interior  of  this  English  stockade. 
It  was  hardly  what  I  had  supposed  it  to  be  from  those  pre- 
vious glimpses  I  had  had  from  without.  A  more  simple 
system  of  defence  would  be  hard  to  conceive.  It  consisted 
of,  perhaps,  a  hundred  rudely  constructed  log  houses,  hud- 
dled together  with  no  apparent  plan  of  arrangement,  and 
extremely  small  walking-space  between.  Surrounding  these, 
yet  far  enough  away  to  leave  a  hundred  feet,  or  more,  of 
space  intervening,  a  high  palisade  of  logs  had  been  erected, 
which  served  alone  as  protection  against  the  Indians.  These 
logs  were  sharpened  at  the  top,  and  supported  a  narrow  plat- 
form, running  along  their  entire  length,  for  riflemen  to  stand 
upon.  A  strongly  barred  gate  faced  the  west,  while  close 
beside  it,  clustered  in  front  of  what  was  probably  the  guard- 
house, was  a  group  of  armed  soldiers  on  duty.  Others 
patrolled  the  walls,  their  bright  red  jackets  conspicuous 
against  the  blue  sky,  while  I  noted  here  and  there  the 
sheen  of  brass  cannon.  All  in  all  it  was  scarcely  a  war- 
like picture,  and  impressed  me  with  its  quiet  as  compared 
with  all  that  terrible  peril  lurking  just  without.  Marking 


I  Receive  News  from  Home  359 

it,  I  found  it  hard  to  realize  that  I  stood  within  a  fortifica- 
tion which  for  months  had  been  in  a  state  of  desperate 
siege. 

I  was  yet  wondering  at  the  spectacle,  even  rubbing  my 
eyes  to  arouse  my  faculties  from  day-dreaming,  when  a 
man  stepped  briskly  forth  from  the  open  door  of  the  two- 
storied  log  house  opposite,  and  started  down  the  narrow  lane 
directly  past  where  I  stood.  His  somewhat  peculiar  appear- 
ance immediately  attracted  my  attention.  A  heavy-set  man, 
his  short  gray  whiskers  clipped  halfway  down  the  cheek,  his 
face  florid  but  kindly,  he  possessed  a  distinctively  military 
bearing,  yet  was  attired  in  light-colored  small-clothes,  and 
wore  a  shapeless  green  coat,  buckled  loosely  at  the  waist. 
As  he  drew  nearer  my  position  he  glanced  curiously  that 
way,  his  keen  eyes  surveying  me  from  beneath  bushy  brows. 
With  my  first  purpose  still  in  mind,  I  ventured  upon  halting 
him  with  a  question. 

"May  I  inquire  if  you  are  an  officer  of  this  garrison?" 

He  stopped  instantly,  standing  squarely  on  his  short, 
sturdy  legs,  and  inspecting  my  figure  from  head  to  foot  as 
though  I  puzzled  him. 

"  Surgeon  —  Carver,  Fifty-fifth,"  he  answered  in  some- 
what gruff  tones,  firing  off  his  snappy  sentences  as  if  they 
were  pistol  shots.  "  No  sinecure,  let  me  tell  you  —  regular 
shambles  that  hospital.  Don't  think  I  ever  saw  you  before 
—  sure  I  never  had  a  knife  in  you." 

"  You  certainly  have  never  enjoyed  that  pleasure  as  yet," 
I  returned,  smiling  at  his  brusque  manner  and  professional 
enthusiasm.  "  I  came  into  Detroit  this  morning,  a  volunteer 
in  the  ranks  of  the  Rangers,  and  have  been  messing  with 
them  since." 

"  Came  in  with  the  Rangers !  "  he  exclaimed,  interrupting 
me,  "  and  no  wounds  ?  A  likely  story !  Anyhow,  you  're  the 
only  one  of  the  kind  I  've  heard  about ;  picked  lead  out  of 
half  of  'em  myself  this  morning  —  must  have  been  a  ton 


360  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

of  it.  Are  you  sure,  young  man;  hadn't  I  better  look  ye 
over  a  bit?  —  damn  bad  thing,  lead  in  the  system." 

"  I  think  not,  doctor ;  except  for  feeling  a  little  tired,  I 
am  in  most  excellent  health." 

"  Yes,  yes,  you  do  look  abominably  well,  now  that  sun  is 
out  of  my  eyes,  and  I  can  see.  Thought  at  first  you  were 
yellow  along  the  lids  —  must  have  been  the  blamed  sun. 
Then  what  did  you  stop  me  for  ?  " 

"  I  merely  desired  to  make  inquiry  if  you  could  inform 
me  where  I  should  be  most  likely  to  find  Major  Gladwyn 
at  this  hour  of  the  day  ?  " 

"  Gladwyn  —  Gladwyn  ?  Let 's  see,  where  did  I  see 
Gladwyn?  Oh,  yes,  he  just  went  into  the  officers'  mess-room 
—  second  building  down  yonder  —  one  with  glass  in  the 
windows  —  can't  miss  it.  Walked  as  if  he  had  rheumatism 
again  —  has  hell  of  a  time  with  rheumatism  —  could  cure 
him,  if  he  'd  behave  himself.  Sure  you  're  all  right,  young 
man  ?  —  don't  want  anything  in  my  line,  hey  ?  " 

"  Perfectly  sure,  doctor,  and  very  much  obliged  for  the 
information,"  and  I  bowed  to  him  as  I  turned  away.  I 
was  aware  that  he  yet  remained  standing  there,  staring 
after  me. 

"  Damn  it,"  he  called  out  explosively,  "  you  walk  with  a 
limp  in  that  left  leg,  sir  —  better  let  me  look  it  over  — 
might  mean  blood  poison  —  won't  cut  it  off,  unless  it 's 
necessary." 

"  Merely  a  very  slight  flesh  wound,  doctor,  and  already 
beginning  to  heal." 

"  Humph !  little  you  know  about  it  —  fools,  fools,  all  of 
you,"  he  exclaimed  testily.  "  British  service  breeds  more 
fools  than  all  the  rest  of  the  world.  Don't  half  of  you  know 
enough  to  take  care  of  yourselves.  Well,  go  on,  then,  and 
die  if  you  want  to  —  I  don't  care.  Is  n't  professional  to 
solicit  business,  anyhow." 

He  started  to  stump  off,  the  very  squaring  of  his  shoulders 


I  Receive  News  from  Home  361 

expressing  indignation  at  my  contumacy,  yet  almost  with  the 
same  movement  he  wheeled  again  to  face  me.  He  tripped 
out  his  words  through  his  teeth,  as  if  ashamed  of  his  curi- 
osity. "  I  don't  know  who  you  are,  sir,  and  I  don't  sup- 
pose I  ought  to  care,  but  if  I  were  to  meet  you  in  Europe, 
and  you  happened  to  be  decently  dressed,  I  'd  know  what 
to  call  you.  You  've  got  the  eyes  and  nose  of  a  De  Coubert." 

I  stopped,  rooted  to  the  spot,  staring  at  him,  so  astounded 
as  to  be  utterly  unable  to  find  speech. 

"  I  am  a  De  Coubert,"  I  managed  to  articulate  finally. 
"  I  am  Raoul  de  Coubert." 

"  Thought  as  much  —  don't  often  miss  it  —  same  mouth, 
same  eyes,  same  nose  —  chin  heavier  —  a  bit  more  of  a  man, 
I  take  it.  Had  a  brother  Charles,  did  n't  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  and  I  placed  one  hand  against  the  log  wall  to 
steady  myself,  uncertain  what  might  be  coming. 

"  Sure  you  did  —  I  knew  him  —  odd  old  chap  —  had  his 
good  points  too  —  set  his  leg  once  —  howled  worse  than  any 
Indian  I  ever  knew  —  terrible  nervous  —  look  of  a  knife 
made  him  squeamish  like  a  woman.  No  fun  working  over 
that  sort  —  now  you  'd  take  it  a  bit  different,  or  I  miss  my 
guess.  Got  a  better  chin.  What  do  you  say  to  letting  me 
have  a  look  at  that  leg,  just  as  an  old  friend  of  the  family  ?  " 

I  shook  my  head  firmly,  my  entire  interest  concentrated 
on  what  he  knew  concerning  my  people. 

"  Where  did  you  meet  Charles  de  Coubert  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Meet  him  ?  Africa,  mostly  —  hunted  with  him  there  one 
Winter  —  poor  shot  —  lacked  nerve.  Died  at  Asaki  — 
miasmatic  fever  —  most  interesting  case." 

"  Died  ?    Is  Charles  dead  ?    How  do  you  know  this  ?  " 

He  stared  at  me,  deliberately  taking  a  pinch  of  snuff  from 
out  a  silver-mounted  box  before  answering. 

"  Humph !  News,  is  it  ?  Thought  as  much,  or  you 
would  n't  be  in  this  place,  wearing  those  rags.  How  do  I 
know  ?  Good  Lord,  man,  why  should  n't  I  know  ?  I  took 


362  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

the  body  home  —  hated  to  do  it,  but  was  n't  so  bad  when 
I  got  there  —  nobody  but  servants,  and  they  didn't  cry 
much  —  hanged  if  I  remember  seeing  one  of  them  shed 
a  tear.  Most  infernally  good  wine  in  the  cellar  —  had  to 
leave  some  of  it  too." 

He  stopped,  impressed,  perhaps,  by  the  look  of  my  face. 

"  Think  much  of  him  ?  "  he  asked  more  gently.  "  If  I  'd 
only  had  another  bottle  of  quinine  I  might  have  pulled  him 
through." 

"  No,"  I  replied  honestly.  "  I  merely  recall  him  as  a  boy, 
and  then  not  pleasantly.  But  this  information  changes  my 
whole  life." 

"  Thought  as  much  —  rather  like  your  face,  or  would  n't 
have  told  you.  Never  exactly  took  to  that  brother  of  yours 

—  a  bit  nifty,  and  no  nerve.    Well,  got  to  move  on  —  most 
interesting  case  in  hospital  —  double  compound  fracture  — 
don't  know  just  what  to  do  with  it  —  got  to  try  something, 
though.    If  that  leg  hurts  you  any  more,  better  let  me  look 
at  it  before  you  leave  —  like  to  do  it  —  got  better  chin  than 
Charles." 

He  did  not  turn  away  immediately,  yet  for  a  moment  I 
hardly  saw  him.  My  vision  was  across  the  great  water, 
and  there  arose  before  me  once  more  the  gray  towers,  the 
red  roofs,  the  long  castellated  front  of  the  home  of  my 
childhood,  all  about  it  the  sweep  of  green  meadow  land,  bor- 
dered by  a  dark  forest.  It  was  mine  at  last  —  mine !  After 
all  those  years  of  wandering,  of  privation,  and  of  hardship, 
I  could  again  go  home.  But,  Mademoiselle?  The  very 
thought  of  her  brought  my  mind  instantly  back  to  the  grim 
present. 

"  Dr.  Carver,"  I  asked  quietly,  yet  through  clinched  teeth, 
"  how  is  Lieutenant  Challoner's  wound  ?  " 

"Challoner?  Oh,  Bob  Challoner,  Forty-seventh?  Don't 
amount  to  a  damn  —  wound,  I  mean.  Gunshot  —  right  arm 

—  ball  extracted  —  slight  sliver  of  bone  —  out  in  a  week. 


I  Receive  News  from  Home  363 

Lucky  dog  —  always  was  —  going  to  be  an  Earl  some  day, 
when  the  other  fellow  dies  —  other  fellow  got  weak  lungs. 
Luck  with  him  even  out  here,  where  nobody  else  has  any  — 
got  fiancee  to  nurse  him  —  what  do  you  think  of  that?  — 
pretty  girl,  too  —  old  Maitland's  daughter  —  knew  old  Mait- 
land  well  in  '57  —  scraped  his  rib  —  got  nerve.  Well,  must 
go,  De  Coubert  —  see  you  again,  and  look  at  that  leg.  Wish 
I  knew  what  to  do  for  that  double  compound  fracture." 

I  watched  him  going  down  that  narrow  lane  directly 
toward  the  guard  house,  a  stumpy,  positive  figure,  every 
movement  decisive  and  aggressive,  yet  my  thoughts  were 
not  with  him.  All  things  past  and  future  stood  out  plainly 
before  me.  I  had  won  much,  I  had  lost  more.  Across  all 
that  fair  prospect  of  French  chateau  and  sunny  meadow 
land,  that  inheritance  which  had  been  the  dream  of  years, 
which  once  would  have  proven  my  fondest  pride,  there  fell 
now  the  shadow  of  a  woman,  her  face  turned  toward  another. 
Wealth  without  love,  the  dreariest  thing  in  all  this  world, 
held  out  its  fleshless  hands  to  me  in  sheerest  mockery.  Yet 
the  pride  of  it  somehow  remained,  the  pride  of  birth,  of 
station,  of  power ;  the  pride  of  being  able  to  stand  once  more 
the  social  equal  of  any  man  I  faced.  The  knowledge  swept 
through  my  veins  like  new  wine.  I,  the  head  of  one  of  the 
great  old  houses  of  France,  a  De  Coubert,  and  a  chevalier, 
could  hold  my  head  erect  amid  the  proudest.  5 'acre !  but 
it  brought  a  flush  to  my  cheek,  a  new  light  to  my  eye  as 
I  walked  down  that  narrow  squalid  lane  toward  the  house 
with  the  glass  windows.  I  would  see  Gladwyn;  there  was 
some  sense  in  it  now. 


CHAPTER  XXXV 

A   PASSAGE  AT   ARMS 

IT  was  this  feeling  of  momentary  exultation  which  led 
me  directly  into  trouble.  We  are  apt  to  receive  in  this 
world  a  return  of  about  what  we  bring,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
the  arrogance  of  my  manner  had  its  natural  effect  on  those 
I  met.  There  was  much  of  merriment  within  the  house, 
which  proudly  boasted  windows  of  glass,  and  I  could 
plainly  distinguish  the  sounds  of  it  as  I  drew  near.  Evi- 
dently the  group  of  officers  gathered  within  were  in  convivial 
mood,  possibly  celebrating  their  safe  deliverance  from  the 
desperate  fight  of  the  night  before.  That  was  not  the  time, 
nor  the  frontier  the  place,  for  any  lengthy  mourning  over 
the  dead,  and  the  soldier's  philosophy  everywhere  soon 
becomes,  "  Let  us  eat  and  drink,  for  to-morrow  we  die." 
As  I  paused  somewhat  doubtfully  upon  the  doorstep,  I  could 
hear  numerous  voices  within,  one  loudly  uplifted  in  ribald 
song,  while  mingled  with  these  came  the  clink  of  glasses,  and 
the  shuffle  of  feet.  It  might  have  been  better  for  me  to  turn 
about  and  wait  for  a  better  opportunity  for  the  advancement 
of  my  purpose,  but  the  door  stood  invitingly  ajar,  my  spirit 
was  unusually  high,  and  I  stepped  recklessly  within. 

For  the  first  moment  I  gazed  about,  unnoted  by  those 
revellers,  most  of  whom  had  their  backs  toward  me.  I 
stood  watching  them,  wondering  to  which  I  had  best  direct 
my  questioning.  It  was  an  exceedingly  large  room,  extend- 
ing the  entire  width  of  the  house,  and  possessed  a  second 
opening,  leading  apparently  into  another  apartment  at  the 
rear,  a  brown  cloth  drapery,  which  hung  there  as  a  screen, 


A  Passage  at  Arms  365 

being  partially  drawn  aside.  The  walls  of  squared  logs  were 
whitewashed,  as  was  also  the  ceiling,  yielding  to  the  entire 
interior  a  look  of  lightness  and  cleanness  somewhat  unusual. 
In  addition  they  were  profusely  decorated  in  numerous 
ways  —  with  pictures  rudely  but  cleverly  drawn,  heads  of 
wild  animals,  horns  of  the  bison,  all  artistically  mingled 
with  a  large  variety  of  the  weapons  of  war.  These  had 
been  most  tastefully  arranged,  and  the  entire  apartment,  in 
spite  of  its  size,  possessed  an  appearance  of  homely  com- 
fort, extremely  attractive.  Chairs,  rude  of  manufacture, 
but  looking  strong  and  restful,  were  scattered  everywhere, 
while  toward  the  farther  end  were  several  tables,  with 
benches  about  them.  It  was  there  the  present  occupants  were 
gathered,  a  roistering,  noisy  lot,  each  man  with  glass  in  hand, 
while  numerous  black  bottles  were  kept  in  constant  circula- 
tion. The  majority  wore  the  red  fatigue  jackets  of  the 
regiments  of  the  line,  although  here  and  there  were  the  green 
coats  of  riflemen,  with  an  occasional  yellow  hunting-shirt, 
bespeaking  the  presence  of  a  Provincial  Ranger.  Altogether 
they  formed  a  picture  full  of  color  and  life,  and  for  the 
moment  I  gazed  upon  it  with  aroused  interest.  Then  a 
half-drunken  fellow,  who  was  dawdling  in  one  of  the  big 
chairs  against  the  wall,  caught  sight  of  me,  and  called  out 
loudly,  with  a  laugh  at  his  own  wit : 

"  Hullo,  there,  my  buck !  What  are  you  doing  here  ? 
Are  you  lost,  strayed,  or  stolen  ?  " 

Making  no  response  to  this  drunken  salutation,  I  instantly 
stepped  forward  into  the  room,  hoping  to  catch  sight  among 
those  present  of  some  officer's  face  I  had  seen  before.  I  had 
barely  advanced  three  steps,  when  one  attired  in  a  red  coat, 
a  little  hat  perched  jauntily  on  the  side  of  his  head,  strode 
directly  in  front,  and  barred  my  progress. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  he  demanded  brusquely.  "  Don't  you 
know  this  is  the  officers'  mess-room,  and  no  place  for  any- 
one else  ? " 


366  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

He  was  a  slender  young  fellow,  a  bit  dandyish  in  dress, 
his  moustache  short,  but  waxed  at  the  ends,  his  eyes 
dark,  imperative,  his  whole  manner  arrogant  and  over- 
bearing. In  my  existing  mood  I  was  little  enough  in- 
clined to  bear  with  insolence,  and  I  stared  him  fairly  in 
the  face. 

"  Not  being  an  enlisted  man,"  I  replied  coolly,  "  and  pos- 
sessing some  claim  as  a  gentleman  to  courteous  treatment, 
I  came  here  to  ask  a  question.  Have  you  any  objections  to 
that?" 

The  quiet  sarcasm  of  my  response  surprised  him,  as  did 
my  manner.  I  saw  him  glance  contemptuously  down  my 
clothing;  then  his  eyes  came  back  once  more  to  a  fresh 
survey  of  my  face. 

"  Well,  I  've  met  all  sorts  of  gentlemen  in  my  time,"  he 
rejoined,  a  sarcastic  smile  curling  his  lips,  and  glancing  about 
at  the  others  now  clustering  about  us  in  curiosity,  "  especially 
since  the  good  of  the  service  brought  me  into  this  hole.  But 
I  think  you  are  about  the  oddest  specimen  I  've  come  across 
yet.  However,  as  you  have  advanced  the  claim,  I  '11  meet 
you  halfway.  What 's  your  question  ?  Out  with  it,  fellow, 
and  then  be  off." 

It  was  in  my  heart  to  throttle  the  insolent  young  fool, 
but  I  held  back,  never  being  one  eager  in  search  after  a 
quarrel. 

"  I  sought  a  brief  interview  with  Major  Gladwyn." 

"  Saint  Andrew !  I  thought  as  much ;  another  Daniel 
come  to  judgment.  Some  scheme  to  raise  the  siege,  no 
doubt,  or  to  manufacture  gunpowder  from  river  water,  or 
some  other  equally  valuable  invention  for  sale.  By  thunder, 
there  are  more  brilliant  geniuses  drifting  in  here  of  late  than 
ever  I  saw  outside  in  all  my  life  before.  Where  the  fellows 
come  from  is  a  mystery.  Major  Gladwyn  has  no  time  to 
fool  with  such  as  you." 

"  My  errand  is  of  some  importance." 


A  Passage  at  Arms  367 

"  Oh,  of  course ;  they  all  are.  Just  the  same  you  can't 
see  him.  I  am  his  aide;  if  you  have  anything  you  wish 
to  say,  I  '11  listen  to  it." 

"  This  chances  to  be  a  personal  matter,"  I  returned,  losing 
all  patience  with  the  fellow,  "  and  is  for  the  private  con- 
sideration of  the  commander  of  this  garrison,  not  for  the 
ears  of  every  whipper-snapper  of  a  lieutenant,  who  is  without 
sufficient  sense  to  be  civil." 

Saint  Denis!  as  these  sharp  words  struck  him  his  face 
grew  red  as  the  flag  he  served,  and  he  sputtered  for  breath 
like  a  drowning  man.  Nor  were  those  others  grouped  about 
him  much  better  off  in  their  startled  astonishment.  The 
worm  had  turned;  the  despised  coureur  de  bois  had  dared 
to  sting.  I  caught  but  a  single  glimpse  of  them  as  I  swung 
hastily  on  my  heel,  and  strode  toward  the  door.  I  had  no 
question  but  the  Lieutenant  would  be  heard  from  long  be- 
fore I  could  get  without;  I  hoped  he  would,  for  my  heart 
was  hot  with  anger,  but  for  that  minute,  at  least,  I  would 
show  him,  and  those  others  like  him,  the  unutterable  con- 
tempt I  felt.  Nor  was  I  wrong;  there  was  a  sound  of 
scuffling,  a  gruff  oath,  the  clang  of  a  sword  leaping  from 
its  scabbard ;  then  a  voice  cried  harshly : 

"  Come  back  here,  you  ragamuffin ;  come  back  here,  and 
I  '11  write  my  answer  across  you  with  steel." 

I  wheeled  and  faced  them,  marking  the  many  angry  faces 
glowering  at  me,  but  centring  my  own  glance  sternly  on 
him  who  spoke. 

"  Monsieur  questioned  my  claim  to  being  a  gentleman 
only  a  moment  ago,"  I  said  quietly.  "  How,  then,  can  he 
fight  me?" 

"  Monsieur  —  Monsieur !  "  mockingly.  "  Are  you,  then, 
a  damn  Frenchman?" 

I  bowed  somewhat  coldly,  pleased  to  note  the  evident  im- 
pression my  calm  bearing  was  already  exerting  upon  those 
officers  grouped  about  this  young  hot-head. 


368  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  I  am  French,  Monsieur ;  whether  or  not  I  also  deserve 
the  '  damn '  remains  to  be  seen.  Am  I  to  understand,  then, 
that  you  condescend  to  fight  a  Frenchman  whom  you  do  not 
acknowledge  as  being  of  your  equals  ?  " 

"  I  will  cut  your  heart  out  for  your  insolence !  "  he  shouted, 
forgetting  all  caution  under  my  taunting. 

"  But  that,  Monsieur,  would  be  murder,  as  I  am  here 
unarmed." 

An  older  officer  placed  his  hand  on  the  fellow's  arm, 
holding  him  back  sternly. 

"  Don't  be  rash,  Maitland,"  he  said  quietly.  "  The  fellow 
was  not  altogether  to  blame,  to  my  notion.  Your  language 
was  anything  but  civil." 

I  started  at  sound  of  that  name,  the  blood  deserting  my 
face  as  I  faced  him  wonderingly.  Could  this  nincompoop, 
this  military  coxcomb,  be  brother  to  Mademoiselle?  Noth- 
ing could  possibly  be  less  to  my  present  taste  than  such 
knowledge;  yet  if  true  it  left  me  small  choice  as  to  what 
I  should  do. 

"  Your  name  is  Maitland  ?  "  I  questioned. 

"  And  if  it  is,  what  then  ?  " 

"  Only  this,  Monsieur ;   I  refuse  to  fight  you." 

An  instant  he  stared  at  me,  as  though  doubting  the  report 
of  his  own  ears ;  then  he  broke  into  a  harsh  laugh,  in  which 
I  noted  some  few  of  the  others  joined. 

"  By  Gad,  I  thought  as  much ;  he  asks  my  name  —  this 
fellow  I  never  saw  before  in  my  life,  on  my  word  of  honor  — 
and  then  declares  he  will  not  fight  me.  Damn  you,  sir,  I 
don't  suppose  you  will ;  but  I  '11  give  you  cause  enough,  you 
sneaking  French  coward !  " 

He  sprang  forward,  his  hand  uplifted  to  strike,  but  I 
stopped  him  with  a  quick  gesture,  even  as  that  older  officer 
once  again  grasped  his  arm. 

"  Wait !  "  I  said  sternly.  "  We  have  had  enough  of  this 
boy's  play.  Now  listen  to  me.  Major  Rogers,  I  am  going 


A  Passage  at  Arms  369 

to  ask  you  to  bear  witness  before  these  gentlemen  as  to 
whether  I  am  a  coward  or  not." 

The  old  Ranger  had  been  leaning  lazily  against  the  wall, 
seemingly  but  slightly  interested  in  our  controversy,  but  at 
this  direct  appeal  he  came  forward,  pushing  his  way  roughly 
through  the  group  until  he  faced  me.  For  a  moment  he 
peered  at  me  in  that  somewhat  uncertain  light,  his  recollec- 
tion apparently  at  fault.  Then  his  grim,  hard  face  relaxed 
into  a  smile  of  recognition. 

"  Great  smoke !  "  he  exclaimed,  and  held  out  his  hand. 
"  'T  is  the  same  I  was  telling  you  fellows  about  —  that 
Frenchman  who  joined  us  at  the  bridge." 

"Am  I  a  coward?" 

"  No ;  and  you  possess  a  pretty  fair  acquaintance  with 
firearms.  What  has  made  you  so  tender  all  at  once  about 
fighting?  Is  it  lack  of  skill  with  the  small  sword,  my 
lad?" 

I  glanced  about  on  those  interested  faces,  quick  enough 
to  take  the  hint  of  his  words,  and  thus  vindicate  myself. 

"  My  reason  for  refusing  to  fight  with  Lieutenant  Mait- 
land  is  altogether  a  personal  one,  and  can  be  explained  later," 
I  said  carelessly.  "  You  have  already  testified  as  to  my  cour- 
age. Regarding  that  other  matter,  it  can  also  be  easily 
disposed  of.  If  any  gentleman  present  will  kindly  loan  me 
the  use  of  his  steel,  I  will  agree  to  disarm  the  best  swordsman 
in  this  room  within  five  minutes  of  the  first  meeting  of  our 
blades.  You  have  my  challenge,  Messieurs." 

There  was  a  moment  of  astounded  silence,  the  eyes  of 
that  entire  group  upon  me  in  wondering  incrudulity. 
Sacre!  this  was  far  more  than  they  had  bargained  for;  this 
was  strange  boasting  to  fall  from  the  lips  of  a  wandering 
French  voyageur.  I  smiled  back  into  Rogers's  puzzled 
face,  and  that  rugged  old  border  fighter  brought  his  hand 
down  with  a  sharp  slap  upon  the  table. 

"  I  really  believe  he  means  it,"  he  exclaimed  heartily. 

24 


37°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  If  my  old  tuck  will  serve  your  turn,  here  it  is  to  your  hand, 
and  may  you  teach  those  young  jays  a  lesson  with  it." 

He  whipped  it  forth  as  he  spoke  from  out  its  plain  scab- 
bard of  leather,  and  the  next  instant  I  held  the  solidly  wound 
hilt  in  my  hand,  the  naked  blade  resting  point  downward 
upon  the  floor.  It  looked  to  be  a  stout,  springy  piece  of 
steel;  the  touch  of  it  felt  good  to  the  grip  of  my  ringers, 
and  the  thrill  of  a  swordsman  tingled  within  my  arm. 

"  Messieurs,"  I  said,  and  not  without  a  faint  touch  of 
mockery  in  my  voice  as  I  surveyed  them,  "  you  appear 
extremely  slow  to  respond;  are  your  English  blades  only 
intended  for  dress-review,  or  is  there  none  among  you 
acquainted  with  the  finer  points  of  swordsmanship  ?  " 

These  words  were  sufficient,  instantly  supplanting  their 
wonderment  with  anger.  I  marked  the  indignant  stir  of 
bodies,  the  growl  of  oaths,  the  glow  of  eyes  directed  toward 
me.  Then  voice  after  voice  echoed  the  one  name,  "  Durand." 
Immediately  the  group  parted,  and  I  stood  there,  facing  the 
man  they  had  unanimously  chosen  as  their  champion.  He 
was  of  stalwart  build,  perhaps  thirty  years  of  age,  quick 
of  movement,  a  long  dark  moustache  curling  upward  to  his 
ears,  and  cool  gray  eyes  containing  a  glow  of  dare-deviltry 
in  their  depths.  He  was  attired  in  the  dark  green  of  the 
rifle  corps,  and  surveyed  me  with  a  mocking  smile  of  inso- 
lence curling  his  thin  lips. 

"  Odds  life !  "  he  exclaimed  sneeringly.  "  I  imagine  any 
one  of  you  lads  might  be  well  able  to  amuse  this  fel- 
low. However,  the  exercise  will  not  be  unwelcome,  and 
I  have  no  objection  to  plucking  the  comb  from  so  loudly 
crowing  a  French  cock.  Only  I  beg  you  not  to  retell 
the  story  to  my  shame  in  England.  Well,  are  you  ready, 
fellow?"  and  his  sword  whipped  into  the  air  like  a  flash 
of  light. 

I  bowed,  not  a  little  amused  at  his  easy  conceit  and 
confidence. 


A  Passage  at  Arms  371 

"  Perfectly,"  and  I  flung  my  loose  jacket  behind  me  on 
the  floor.  "En  garde,  Monsieur." 

As  our  blades  touched  lightly  I  knew  instantly  I  fronted 
a  master.  Long  of  reach,  strong  of  arm,  wiry  and  compact 
of  body,  his  wrist  supple  as  rubber  and  stiff  as  steel,  his  eye 
clear  and  quick  to  observe,  he  was  the  very  beau  ideal  of  a 
light  swordsman.  And  the  man  knew  it,  and  thought  now 
to  show  off  his  graces  with  small  danger  to  himself.  I  saw 
that  in  the  self-satisfied  smile  curling  his  thin  lips,  the  care- 
lessness of  his  first  posture,  the  showy,  boyish  way  in  which 
he  flashed  his  gleaming  point  before  my  eyes,  as  though 
expecting  thus  to  dazzle  and  frighten  me.  It  amused  me 
to  watch  him  in  this  early  showing  off,  even  while  I  was 
stiffening  to  that  sterner  work  I  felt  must  be  ahead  of  us, 
playing  but  softly  with  his  blade,  until  I  should  become  more 
certain  of  my  own.  He  possessed  a  most  pretty  fence  and 
guard,  and  brought  forth  many  a  sly  trick  of  swordplay  that 
taxed  my  ingenuity  to  meet ;  nor  was  I  overly  well  pleased 
with  the  insolent  way  he  had  of  interspersing  bits  of  trifling 
speech  with  every  thrust  and  parry. 

"There,  Master  Coureur  de  bois!"  he  cried,  forcing  his 
glittering  point  to  dance  the  length  of  my  blade,  "  an 
eighth  of  an  inch  more  and  I  should  have  had  you.  It  was 
an  awkward  turn  of  the  wrist,  although  I  see  you  do  know 
a  sword  from  a  marling  spike.  So  much  the  better,  and  I 
will  now  teach  you  a  few  more  tricks  worth  your  remem- 
brance. There,  try  that  one!  What,  you  know  the  guard? 
Saint  Andrew,  friend,  it  seems  you  are  not  so  green  as  your 
clothes  would  promise.  What,  you  would  attempt  to  drive 
me?  Odds,  man,  that  is  more  than  the  best  swords  of 
Europe  have  ever  done.  Parry  that,  if  you  can !  " 

We  were  at  it  by  now  in  dead  earnest,  both  fully  awak- 
ened to  the  fact  that  this  was  to  be  no  boy's  play,  but  stern, 
desperate  work.  The  look  in  his  eyes  had  changed,  the 
smile  had  faded  from  his  lips,  and  they  were  pressed  tightly 


A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

together,  while  his  groping  steel  felt  mine  cautiously,  with 
that  soft,  purring  caress  which  promises  deadly  action. 
With  swift  feint  and  guard,  thrust,  stroke,  and  parry  we 
tried  each  other,  ever  circling  rapidly  while  our  nervous 
blades  leaped  in  and  out,  seeking  vainly  to  ferret  forth  some 
unguarded  spot  of  weakness  for  direct  attack.  Certes,  I 
warmed  to  it,  ever  loving  such  antagonist,  my  heart  re- 
sponding instantly  to  the  reckless  daring  of  his  onslaughts, 
the  masterly  coolness  of  his  defence.  I  watched  every 
movement  like  a  hawk,  permitting  him  to  press  me  slowly 
back,  heedless  of  the  loud  jeers  of  his  companions,  or  his 
own  muttered  comments,  if  by  such  device  I  might  only 
secure  some  safe  line  upon  his  sword-play.  And  he  forced 
me  hard,  relentlessly,  his  glittering  blade  never  still,  a  con- 
stant darting  flash  in  my  eyes,  whose  deadly  point  I  turned 
aside  as  by  instinct,  our  steel  ringing  a  merry  chorus,  our 
feet  shuffling  across  the  rough  floor. 

"  Pish,  man,"  he  said,  "  but  you  are  not  so  bad  a  hand 
at  this  sort  of  thing,  now  that  I  am  beginning  to  get  you 
warmed  up  to  it.  You  have  a  right  pretty  thrust  from  the 
shoulder,  and  I  have  met  poorer  at  a  parry.  -A  maitre 
d'armes,  no  doubt,  thinking  to  show  us  a  French  trick  or 
two  for  sake  of  the  coin  it  might  bring.  Ah,  first  blood 
there,  my  good  fellow,  first  blood  1  Odds,  but  I  am  begin- 
ning to  tickle  you  —  try  what  you  can  do  with  that !  There ! 
and  not  so  bad  a  feint  either." 

We  were  at  it  now  hot  and  furious,  for  the  slight  touch  of 
his  point  on  my  cheek  had  brought  blood,  and  stirred  me 
into  closer  action.  Step  by  step  I  began  forcing  the  fighting, 
driving  my  own  point  against  him  so  relentlessly  as  to  hush 
his  speech,  and  force  him  upon  the  defensive.  At  last  he 
opened  his  guard  to  that  stroke  I  had  been  seeking  after 
so  long,  and  I  let  him  have  it,  thinking  to  see  his  sword 
fly  harmless  into  the  air.  But  a  quick  turn  of  his  wrist 
blocked  me,  catching  my  point  full  on  the  flat  of  his  blade, 


A  Passage  at  Arms  373 

and  hurling  it  aside  so  quickly  that  I  nearly  fell.  It  was  a 
pretty  trick,  well  done,  and  he  angered  me  by  laughing. 

"  Ah,  ha,  Monsieur,  others  have  studied  also  under  Mon- 
sieur Constans  in  Paris.  I  thought  from  your  low  guard 
you  were  from  that  school.  And  so  that  was  what  you 
rested  your  boast  on?  Odds!  now  here  is  a  stroke  I  war- 
rant you  never  learned  there." 

I  parried  it  with  a  quick  thrust  upward  that  grazed  his 
shoulder,  my  teeth  set,  determined  now  to  bring  this  struggle 
to  a  sudden  ending.  Twice  we  circled  the  centre  of  the 
room,  the  excited  crowd  making  way  for  us,  as  we  fought 
furiously.  He  was  my  match,  that  Englishman,  my  match 
in  skill  as  well  as  strength,  but  I  kept  him  busy,  testing  his 
knowledge  with  every  thrust  and  feint  I  knew,  the  sheer 
audacity  of  my  fierce  attack  forcing  him  to  yield  ground 
before  me,  while  my  steel  point,  glittering  and  ominous, 
twisted  in  and  out  along  his  protecting  blade.  We  were 
both  panting  for  breath,  our  faces  flushed,  the  perspiration 
dripping  from  our  bodies,  the  light  scintillating  from  off 
the  shining  swords  as  they  darted  back  and  forth  in  cease- 
less thrust  and  parry.  Saint  Denis!  that  was  a  bout  at 
arms  to  make  boast  over.  And  as  I  strained  to  it  I  was 
thankful  I  had  saved  my  breath,  for  that,  and  that  only, 
made  me  the  better  man,  forcing  him  remorselessly  back 
inch  by  inch,  fighting  like  a  demon,  until  he  could  retreat 
no  farther,  his  foot  already  pressing  against  the  wall.  It 
was  there  we  ended  it  —  he  with  a  high  guard  to  block  my 
feint  toward  his  left  shoulder,  I  with  a  quick  upward  thrust 
beneath  his  steel,  which  sent  the  point  of  my  blade  hurtling 
through  his  sleeve,  and  nailed  his  sword  arm  to  the  log 
wall.  Certes,  it  astonished  him,  his  eyes  glaring  angrily 
as  he  strove  in  vain  to  wrench  loose. 

"  A  trick  of  Monsieur  Constans,  Monsieur,"  I  explained 
politely,  although  panting  yet  from  lack  of  breath,  "  which, 
perchance,  he  failed  to  teach  you." 


374  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

There  was  the  sound  of  a  sudden  movement  behind  me, 
and  I  wheeled,  my  sword  yet  pinning  him  fast  to  the  log, 
thinking  those  others  in  their  anger  might  attack  me.  But 
they  were  staring  toward  the  farther  end  of  the  room,  and 
I  glanced  in  that  direction  also.  There,  within  the  shadow 
of  the  portieres,  stood  an  officer,  attired  in  red  coat  richly 
embellished  with  a  profusion  of  gold  lace,  and  by  his  side 
was  a  woman. 


CHAPTER   XXXVI 

BY  AID  OF   MADEMOISELLE 

THE  man  was  Gladwyn,  his  face  purple  with  rage,  his 
eyes  dark  with  threat;  yet  at  that  first  moment  I 
hardly  saw  him,  my  entire  attention  riveted  upon  her  who 
stood  beside  him  with  the  proud  bearing  of  a  queen.  It 
was  Mademoiselle,  and  as  our  wondering  eyes  met  I  forgot 
everything  else,  even  that  hapless  prisoner  whom  I  yet  held 
nailed  against  the  wall  with  the  point  of  my  sword.  There 
was  an  instant  of  hushed,  painful  silence,  then  the  Com- 
mandant strode  directly  toward  us,  his  brow  frowning  with 
indignation. 

"  What  may  be  the  meaning  of  all  this,  gentlemen  ?  "  he 
demanded,  surveying  us  coldly.  "  You  have  had  your  orders 
regarding  brawling  in  this  mess-room,  yet  I  find  you  here 
with  swords  drawn,  and  eyes  full  of  anger.  Captain  Durand, 
you  appear  to  occupy  a  most  conspicuous  position  in  this 
disgraceful  scene.  Kindly  explain  yourself." 

"  The  merest  incident,  sir,"  and  as  best  he  could  Durand 
bowed,  first  to  the  justly  irate  Commander,  and  then  to  my- 
self. "  I  sought  to  teach  this  stray  Frenchman  a  slight  lesson 
in  fence,  but,  by  Gad,  he  turned  about  and  instructed  me." 

Gladwyn  wheeled  and  faced  me,  his  quick  glance  survey- 
ing me  from  head  to  foot. 

"  A  Frenchman  ?  "  he  ejaculated.  "  How  ever  came  the 
fellow  here?  How  dare  he  start  a  brawl  in  this  English 
mess-room?  Saint  George!  never  heard  I  before  of  such 
unmitigated  insolence.  Remove  your  sword,  you  —  you 
reprobate ! " 


376  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

Recalled  to  the  situation  by  these  words  I  drew  back  my 
blade,  thus  releasing  my  late  opponent  from  his  embarrassing 
position,  and  lowering  the  point  to  the  floor,  stood  facing 
my  questioner  calmly.  Gladwyn,  gazing  intently  at  me, 
seemed  to  hesitate,  as  though  uncertain  how  far  it  might 
be  best  to  go  in  the  exercise  of  his  authority.  Nor  had  he 
reached  decision  when  Mademoiselle  swept  past  him,  and 
came  up  to  me,  both  hands  extended  in  a  warmth  of  wel- 
come which  seemed  to  wave  aside  all  caution. 

"  And  you  are  here,  and  well  ?  "  she  exclaimed,  her  cheeks 
flushed  from  excitement.  "  I  have  asked  so  many  among 
the  officers,  and  no  one  of  them  seemed  to  know  anything 
about  you  after  the  time  we  left  in  the  boat." 

"  Had  I  dreamed  of  any  anxiety  on  your  part,  Mademoi- 
selle," I  returned,  striving  hard  to  conceal  from  the  eyes  of 
the  curious  about  us  my  true  feelings,  "  I  should  have  found 
some  way  in  which  to  send  you  word  of  my  safety.  I  sup- 
posed, beyond  doubt,  our  brief  days  of  friendship  would 
end  with  your  return  to  the  people  of  your  own  nation." 

"  It  must  be  that  you  hold  me  supremely  selfish  then," 
and  her  voice  became  colder  with  the  unpleasant  thought. 
"  The  fact  that  I  trusted  you  in  the  wilderness,  Monsieur,  is 
to  my  mind  no  good  reason  why  I  should  distrust  you 
now." 

It  was  Gladwyn  who  broke  in  upon  us,  his  voice  assum- 
ing a  dictatorial  tone,  his  gaze  upon  my  face  full  of  dislike 
and  a  vague  suspicion. 

"  You  appear  to  have  enjoyed  former  acquaintance  with 
this  man,  Miss  Maitland  ? "  he  questioned,  his  manner  evi- 
dencing surprise. 

She  instantly  turned  toward  him  with  a  smile  of  confi- 
dence, all  hesitancy  gone,  thinking  at  that  moment  only  of 
those  ordinary  courtesies  of  her  old-time  English  life. 

"  Certainly,  Major  Gladwyn.  I  ask  your  pardon  for  such 
neglect,  but  I  was  greatly  surprised  by  this  unexpected 


By  Aid  of  Mademoiselle  377 

meeting.  Permit  me  to  present  my  friend,  Captain  de 
Coubert,  of  the  French  army.  Arthur,"  and  she  singled 
out  from  amid  that  staring  group  of  officers  the  discom- 
fited young  aide  who  had  first  started  the  trouble,  "  this  is 
the  gentleman  whose  gallantry  and  care  preserved  the  lives 
of  Rene  and  myself." 

You  could  Have  heard  a  pin  drop  in  that  big  room.  I 
bowed  in  acknowledgment  of  the  introduction,  but  not  an- 
other man  stirred,  nor  was  there  a  sound  save  that  of  heavy 
breathing.  I  watched  Gladwyn's  face  curiously.  It  was 
perplexed,  uncertain,  darkening  with  dissatisfaction  at  such 
an  outcome.  I  thought  he  would  much  prefer  discounte- 
nancing me  in  presence  of  that  fair  woman,  if  opportunity 
only  served.  Her  openly  avowed  friendship  toward  me  did 
not  seem  wholly  welcome.  Surprised  at  such  unusual  re- 
ception, she  glanced  now  from  her  brother's  face  to  his. 

"  What  does  this  mean  ? "  she  asked  impetuously,  and 
instantly  took  a  step  nearer  me,  proud  indignation  show- 
ing in  the  gesture.  "  I  had  supposed  soldiers  were  ever 
generous  to  their  enemies.  This  man  is  a  soldier,  an 
officer  and  a  gentleman,  as  I  chance  to  know,  yet  your 
reception  is  such  as  you  might  be  expected  to  accord  to 
an  outlaw." 

"  We  have  just  cause  to  suspect  all  of  his  nation  along 
this  frontier,"  said  Gladwyn  coldly,  his  temper  not  greatly 
bettered  by  her  rebuke.  "  Nor  is  his  presence  here  to  be 
easily  explained,  any  more  than  his  daring  to  draw  weapon 
against  the  officers  of  this  garrison.  I  indeed  regret  the 
necessity,  yet  I  must  question  further  before  treating  such 
as  he  with  any  form  of  respect.  How  happens  it  you  are 
here  in  Detroit,  Monsieur  ?  " 

"  I  bore  rifle  in  Major  Rogers's  command  last  night,  arid 
entered  with  the  remnant  this  morning,"  I  replied,  endeavor- 
ing to  speak  as  formally  as  possible. 

"  Indeed !    Rogers,  have  you  any  recollection  of  him  ?  " 


378  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Ay,  I  can  bear  witness  to  that.  He  joined  us  at  the 
bridge  over  Parent  Creek,  and  fought  along  with  the  best 
until  we  got  back.  Wherever  the  fellow  dropped  from  I 
have  no  knowledge." 

"  Apparently  it  is  not  clear  to  any  one,  unless  it  may  be 
to  the  lady  here.  You  assert,  Miss  Maitland,  that  he  is  a 
French  officer,  a  captain,  I  believe  you  said?  May  I  inquire 
where  you  first  met?" 

She  flushed  at  his  blunt  questioning,  her  eyes  turning 
toward  me  before  making  answer. 

"  At  Fort  Chartres." 

"  Ah !  he  was  in  uniform,  I  presume  ?  " 

She  hesitated,  evidently  realizing  then  for  the  first  time 
how  very  little  she  really  knew  regarding  me. 

"  No,"  she  confessed  frankly.  "  I  met  him  at  a  ball,  and 
danced  with  him  the  same  night  he  departed  from  the  fort. 
He  was  attired  as  a  coureur  de  bois." 

"  Was  he  not  even  presented  to  you  as  an  officer  of  that 


garrison 


"  No." 

"  The  gentleman's  claims  to  distinction  do  not  greatly 
strengthen  under  investigation,"  commented  Gladwyn,  his 
manner  becoming  more  brusque  as  he  pushed  his  advan- 
tage. "  I  judge,  Miss  Maitland,  from  your  remarks  when 
first  greeting  him,  that  you  must  have  met  again  upon  the 
trail.  Was  he  at  that  time  in  uniform,  or  did  he  exhibit 
any  proof  of  his  rank  ?  " 

"  No,"  she  acknowledged  reluctantly.  "  But  I  have  per- 
fect confidence  in  his  word." 

The  Commandant  bowed,  a  smile  upon  his  lips. 

"  Oh,  no  doubt.  Such  confidence  does  great  credit  to 
your  heart,  I  am  sure,"  he  said  politely.  "  Unfortunately  a 
soldier  in  command  cannot  permit  himself  to  be  swayed  by 
the  emotions  in  judging  such  matters.  It  is  his  duty  to 
require  proof."  He  turned  toward  me,  his  face  instantly 


By  Aid  of  Mademoiselle  379 

hardening  into  judicial  severity.  "  And  now,  Monsieur,  we 
will  listen  to  what  you  have  to  say." 

I  felt  that  Mademoiselle's  eyes  were  upon  me  in  anxious 
entreaty,  but  realizing  the  weakness  of  my  own  position  I 
did  not  venture  to  glance  toward  her. 

"  I  have  nothing  to  say." 

"  Nothing  ? "  and  I  could  not  remain  insensible  to  the 
ring  of  unalloyed  pleasure  in  his  voice.  "  Do  you  mean  that 
you  possess  no  papers  of  authority  ?  " 

"  I  think,  Major  Gladwyn,"  I  said  somewhat  coldly,  for 
I  resented  his  evident  antagonism,  "  that  you  will  bear  me 
out  in  the  statement  that  thus  far  I  have  advanced  no  claims 
to  being  a  French  officer.  All  your  inquiry  has  been  based 
upon  the  introduction  by  Miss  Maitland.  However,  for  her 
sake,  and  not  in  the  least  because  I  care  for  your  judgment 
in  the  matter,  I  will  state  that  I  am  an  officer  in  the  French 
service.  I  came  to  this  country  upon  a  secret  mission  for 
Monsieur  de  Villiers,  which  will  account  for  my  not  being 
in  uniform.  My  papers  of  authority  were  stolen  from  me 
by  treachery  along  the  trail,  and  the  loss  of  them  involved 
me  in  much  peril  in  the  Indian  camp.  The  mission  which 
brought  me  to  Pontiac,  while,  as  I  have  already  said,  secret, 
was  not  one  which  could  have  wrought  you  any  injury, 
and  as  our  nations  are  at  peace  I  had  anticipated  some  slight 
courtesy  at  your  hands  when  necessity  compelled  me  to  turn 
here  for  protection.  I  reached  this  stockade,  after  bearing 
my  part  in  action  with  your  troops,  and  entered  this  mess- 
room  seeking  interview  with  you,  in  the  hope  that  you  would 
receive  me  upon  my  own  word  in  accordance  with  my  rank, 
which  is  that  of  a  captain  of  hussars." 

I  could  read  no  sympathy  in  those  faces  clustered  about 
me,  while  that  of  Gladwyn  was  as  hard  as  flint. 

"  It  is  indeed  to  be  regretted,  Monsieur,"  he  replied  iron- 
ically, "  that  you  are  so  unfortunately  situated  as  regards 
the  evidence  of  your  position  and  your  purpose  in  entering 


380  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

here.  Believing,  as  we  have  ample  cause  to  do,  that  this 
Monsieur  de  Villiers  is  furnishing  our  enemies  with  the 
munitions  of  war,  if  not  with  men,  I  am  little  inclined  to 
treat  with  courtesy  any  messenger  he  may  have  despatched 
to  that  arch-murderer,  Pontiac.  Your  taking  part  in  the  ac- 
tion of  last  night  may  have  been  no  more  than  a  deeply  laid 
plot  to  gain  admittance  here,  for  the  purpose  of  learning  our 
condition;  it  is  certainly  no  excuse  for  the  invasion  of  this 
private  mess-room,  nor  for  the  picking  of  a  quarrel  with 
my  officers.  I  might,  indeed,  grant  you  more  civility  were 
your  rank  and  purpose  better  attested,  for  it  is  true  there 
is  no  declaration  of  war  between  our  nations  which  would 
warrant  my  holding  you  as  prisoner.  But  as  it  is,  I  can 
merely  consider  you  as  a  wandering  coureur  de  bois,  and 
treat  you  accordingly.  You  will  leave  the  room." 

Scarcely  had  he  pronounced  these  final  words  when  Made- 
moiselle swept  impetuously  toward  me,  her  cheeks  burning 
with  indignation,  her  eyes  dark  from  the  depth  of  her 
emotion. 

"  Captain  de  Coubert,"  she  implored  anxiously,  "  I  am 
sure  there  must  be  some  way  of  establishing  your  identity 
and  your  rank.  I  doubted  you  once,  down  in  that  Indian 
camp,  but  here,  and  among  my  own  people,  I  possess  abso- 
lute trust  in  your  word." 

For  a  moment  I  looked  down  into  her  eyes,  clear,  confi- 
dent, loyal  to  their  very  depths.  Although  I  had  not  the 
slightest  conception  as  to  what  might  result  from  such  an 
experiment,  yet  for  her  sake  I  would  make  the  trial.  It 
could  scarcely  injure  my  cause,  and  I  knew  of  nothing  else 
in  which  there  was  any  possibility  of  bettering  it.  I  turned 
somewhat  doubtfully  toward  Gladwyn,  who  stood  frowning 
at  me. 

"  If  you  are  really  seeking  justice,"  I  said  quietly,  "  it 
might  be  worth  your  while,  before  banishing  me  in  disgrace, 
to  interview  Dr.  Carver,  of  the  Fifty-fifth." 


By  Aid  of  Mademoiselle  381 

"  Carver !  "  and  the  Commandant's  face  reddened  with 
annoyance.  "  Why,  I  would  n't  believe  that  fellow  under 
oath.  He  would  rather  lie  than  eat." 

"  But  you  surely  will  hear  him,  sir/'  and  Mademoiselle 
faced  him  indignantly.  "  You  have  insisted  upon  proof 
from  Captain  de  Coubert,  and  now  that  he  offers  it,  you 
will  at  least  listen." 

"  Oh,  certainly,  if  the  doing  so  will  please  you,"  with  a 
rather  ceremonious  bow,  the  soldier  in  him  resenting  such 
interference,  even  while  he  yielded  to  the  claims  of  her  sex. 
"  But  I  am  inclined  to  believe  this  reference  merely  an  effort 
to  gain  time.  Lieutenant  Maitland,  despatch  an  orderly  re- 
questing Dr.  Carver  to  join  me  here  immediately." 

We  waited  in  silence,  Gladwyn  standing  with  his  back 
toward  us,  his  eyes  looking  out  through  the  narrow  window 
piercing  the  west  wall.  The  lingering  group  of  officers  had 
withdrawn  somewhat  farther  down  the  room,  yet  remained 
within  easy  listening  distance.  I  stood  alone,  feeling  it 
highly  probable  the  surgeon  would  promptly  deny  all  knowl- 
edge of  me,  and  not  greatly  caring  whether  he  did  or  not. 
Mademoiselle  at  first  had  partially  turned  toward  me,  as  if 
intending  to  speak,  but  instead  had  joined  her  brother,  and 
they  conversed  together  in  low  tones,  she  apparently  plead- 
ing, he  as  seemingly  defiant. 

Suddenly  there  sounded  a  quick  step  on  the  hard  ground 
without,  and  then  Dr.  Carver  bustled  in  through  the  open 
door,  his  keen  eyes  sweeping  across  us  in  a  single  com- 
prehensive glance.  Grasped  in  one  hand  he  held  his 
surgical  case  flying  half  open,  the  steel  instruments 
shining  in  the  light.  Dropping  this  upon  a  convenient 
bench,  and  flinging  aside  his  loose  coat,  he  looked  about 
eagerly. 

"  Which  one  is  it  ?  "  he  snapped.  "  Lay  the  fellow  out 
here  —  cut  or  pistol  ?  " 

"  You  were  not  sent  for  professionally,"  said  Gladwyn, 


382  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

turning  around  and  looking  at  him  coldly,  "  but  merely  to 
answer  a  question." 

"  Question  be  damned ! "  and  the  irate  surgeon  snapped 
his  case  together  angrily.  "  Left  most  interesting  case  — 
double  compound  fracture  —  go  back  to  it." 

"  Surgeon  Carver,"  and  Gladwyn's  voice  rang  out  like  a 
church  bell,  "you  will  stay  here,  sir,  and  you  will  answer 
my  questions.  If  you  start  to  leave  this  room  before  I  give 
you  permission,,  I  will  order  you  under  arrest.  I  want  you 
to  examine  this  man." 

The  doctor's  face  had  grown  red  as  fire  beneath  this 
sudden  storm  of  words,  but  he  was  not  a  man  to  be  easily 
put  down,  even  by  threat  of  military  discipline. 

"  Devil  of  a  note,"  he  muttered,  "  to  put  such  a  fool  thing 
ahead  of  a  double  compound  fracture.  Must  have  another 
touch  of  rheumatism  to  make  him  so  damn  cranky.  What 
man?" 

"  This  fellow  with  his  back  against  the  wall.  He  claims 
that  you  know  him." 

The  doctor  walked  stiffly  across  to  me,  and  with  grave, 
professional  deliberation  stared  me  in  the  face.  Then  he 
pressed  back  one  eyelid  and  peered  within,  tried  the  other 
in  the  same  way,  took  most  careful  scrutiny  of  my  profile 
as  outlined  against  the  window,  walked  around  to  gain  view 
of  my  back,  and  was  opening  my  mouth  for  an  inspection 
when  Gladwyn  burst  forth  angrily : 

"  What  the  devil  are  you  up  to,  sir?" 

Carver  glanced  about  in  apparent  surprise,  his  hands  yet 
resting  upon  my  shoulders. 

"  Is  n't  this  the  man,  sir?  " 

"  Of  course  it 's  the  man ;  but  all  I  asked  was  whether  or 
not  you  knew  him." 

"  Oh,  I  see ;  it  was  not  professional  then  —  merely  an 
unimportant  social  inquiry.  Oh,  yes,  exactly;  eye  looks  a 
little  bilious ;  but  I  know  him." 


By  Aid  of  Mademoiselle  383 

"  You  are  certain  ?  " 

"  Like  a  book  —  knew  his  father,  his  brother,  his  wet- 
nurse,  the  family  cat.  Been  at  his  home ;  think  I  was  there 
when  he  was  born,  but  it  might  have  been  his  christening. 
Fine  place- — old-fashioned  tile  roof  —  picturesque  —  excel- 
lent wine  —  lucky  dog." 

Gladwyn  stared  at  him,  his  heavy  brows  contracting,  his 
eyes  darkening  with  rising  anger. 

"  I  believe  you  are  a  liar,"  he  exclaimed  hotly. 

"  No  doubt,  no  doubt,"  dispassionately.  "  Of  course  you 
mean  this  entirely  in  a  personal  way ;  professionally  I  never 
lie.  The  other  odious  habit  has  been  contracted  from  my 
daily  associations  in  the  army.  Disgusting,  the  class  of 
people  one  has  to  meet  in  the  service.  This  man  you  ask 
me  about  —  personally  I  know  him;  professionally  I  trust 
I  shall  very  soon  —  eye  bilious,  left  leg  lame  —  simply  got 
to  get  at  him." 

"Well,  then,  who  is  he?" 

The  doctor  straightened  up,  and  began  tripping  off  his 
speech  on  his  stumpy  finger  tips. 

"  Name,  De  Coubert ;  country  of  nativity,  France ;  natu- 
ral habitat,  Auvergne;  occupation,  soldier;  mentality,  ac- 
tive; disposition,  sanguine  (probably  have  gout  later  in 
life);  hair,  light;  height,  a  little  under  six  feet;  weight, 
about  thirteen  stones  —  " 

Gladwyn  brought  his  fist  down  on  the  table  with  a  sound 
as  though  he  had  split  the  board. 

"If  you  utter  another  word,  sir,  except  in  direct  reply  to 
my  questions,  I  '11  have  you  court-martialed  before  night ! 
What  I  want  to  know  is  this  —  is  this  man  an  officer  of  the 
French  army?  Now  answer  me  that." 

Carver  looked  steadily  at  him,  his  mouth  wide  open,  his 
eyes  twinkling. 

"  Is  he  ?  Good  Lord,  yes.  Colonel  or  General,  I  've  for- 
gotten which.  Most  likely  General  by  this  time.  Great 


384  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

friend  of  Louis.  Last  time  I  saw  him  was  at  Versailles  — 
had  the  King's  head  in  his  lap.  Remember  that,  don't  you, 
De  Coubert  ?  "  and  the  old  rogue  turned  toward  me,  his  face 
as  innocent  as  that  of  a  child. 

Before  I  could  answer  him,  even  had  I  dared  attempt  such 
a  thing,  Mademoiselle  laughed,  the  silvery  sound  rippling 
out  above  us  like  a  sudden  burst  of  music. 

"  Oh,  Dr.  Carver,"  she  exclaimed,  sweeping  impulsively 
forward.  "  You  are  such  an  old  dear !  If  I  only  dared,  I 
believe  I  would  hug  you  right  now."  She  turned  toward 
me  with  a  long,  sweeping  curtsey.  "  Surely  Monsieur  le 
General  de  Coubert  must  now  be  received  with  all  the  honors 
of  war." 

Carver  stared  at  her,  and  then  at  me,  his  eyes  like  pinheads 
beneath  his  bushy  brows. 

"  Humph !  "  he  grunted.  "  So  you  're  interested,  are  you  ? 
Must  have  made  wrong  diagnosis  of  the  fellow's  case  — 
might  be  in  love,  not  bilious  at  all  —  same  symptoms.  Per- 
haps you  'd  rather  hug  him,  my  dear,  and  not  waste  time 
on  an  old  codger  like  me." 

Mademoiselle  stood  motionless,  her  cheeks  flaming.  For 
a  moment  words  would  not  come  to  relieve  her  embarrass- 
ment; then  suddenly  her  eyes  fell  upon  Gladwyn's  face. 
He  was  vainly  endeavoring  to  smother  a  laugh  behind  his 
handkerchief,  and  instantly  her  indignation  blazed  forth. 

"  Major  Gladwyn,"  and  the  cool  lashing  of  her  tongue 
stung  sharply,  "  I  am  unaccustomed  to  being  made  the  laugh- 
ing stock  of  an  officers'  mess.  My  sense  of  humor  may  pos- 
sibly be  deficient,  but  really  I  can  perceive  no  fit  cause  for 
merriment  here.  This  gentleman,  Captain  de  Coubert,  is 
my  friend ;  he  preserved  my  life  in  midst  of  great  peril,  and 
proved  himself  worthy  of  that  friendship.  I  should  be  de- 
void of  all  gratitude  had  I  deserted  him  to  your  condemna- 
tion unheard.  The  time,  however,  has  now  arrived  when 
such  judgment  on  your  part  is  impossible.  An  officer  of 


By  Aid  of  Mademoiselle  385 

your  own  garrison  openly  vouches  for  him,  and  I  am  there- 
fore no  longer  necessary,  even  for  your  amusement.  Arthur, 
I  shall  be  pleased  if  you  will  conduct  me  to  our  rooms.  No, 
thank  you,  Major  Gladwyn,  I  will  not  trouble  you  farther." 

At  the  portieres  she  paused  for  a  moment,  glancing  back 
at  us,  and  although  a  dozen  stood  between,  our  eyes  met,  and 
her  own  fell. 

"  Judging  from  that  situation  witnessed  at  the  time  of  my 
entrance,  Captain  de  Coubert,"  she  said  quietly,  "  I  feel  con- 
fident of  your  ability  to  take  care  of  yourself  among  these 
gentlemen  of  England.  For  once  I  have  had  reason  to  re- 
joice over  the  success  of  a  French  sword." 

With  these  words  she  was  gone,  leaving  us  gazing  blankly 
into  each  other's  face. 


CHAPTER   XXXVII 

THE  RETURN   OF  THE  PRODIGAL 

THERE  is  no  reason  why  I  should  dwell  upon  those 
weary  weeks  that  followed.  Not  even  were  they  in- 
teresting historically,  while  personally  they  proved  utterly 
devoid  of  incident,  heavy  and  dull.  Without  the  guarding 
stockade  the  ceaseless  vigilance  of  those  surrounding  savages 
effectually  shut  us  off  from  all  avenues  of  communication 
with  the  world  beyond.  We  lived  in  complete  isolation, 
the  only  English  post  withstanding  the  victorious  red  men 
in  all  that  wide  waste  of  wilderness.  The  green  fringe  of 
forest  stretching  along  the  west,  and  harboring  those  red 
hordes  in  its  bosom,  bounded  our  utmost  vision  in  that 
direction;  while  upon  the  other  side  of  our  frail  defences 
we  gazed  despondently  across  the  broad,  deserted  river,  be- 
holding little  else  than  the  yellow  smoke  of  distant  Indian 
villages.  Occasionally  a  stray  French  voyageur  would  drift 
in  from  out  the  vast  solitude  of  woods,  but  the  scant  news 
he  bore  seldom  referred  to  civilization,  so  that  during  all 
that  time  of  helpless  waiting  no  word  reached  us  in  promise 
of  early  relief.  Apparently  we  were  left  to  work  out  our 
own  salvation,  the  last  remnant  of  British  power  along  that 
whole  Indian  haunted  border.  Yet  we  suffered  little,  besides 
the  constant  strain  such  a  situation  puts  upon  the  nerves. 
Beyond  an  occasional  night  skirmish,  with  the  never-ending 
rifle  fire  from  the  summit  of  the  palisades,  there  was  no 
fighting  worthy  of  the  name.  Yet  with  all  this,  scarcely 
an  hour  passed  when  we  were  not  sternly  reminded  of  the 
near  presence  of  our  sleepless,  vengeful  enemies. 


The  Return  of  the  Prodigal  387 

Within  the  protection  of  the  stockade  there  was  much 
conviviality  among  the  younger  officers,  with  an  occasional 
attempt  at  more  elaborate  merrymaking.  Theatricals  and 
informal  dances  were  resorted  to  as  makeshifts  with  which 
to  help  pass  the  lagging  hours  of  a  siege  that  had  become 
tiresome,  while  drinking  bouts  in  the  mess-room  became  all 
too  common.  To  me  the  dull  monotony  grew  almost  un- 
bearable, for,  of  my  own  deliberate  volition,  I  had  decided 
it  best  to  hold  aloof  from  even  these  social  diversions.  I 
realized  that  I  should  be  stronger  and  safer  in  such  resolu- 
tion to  keep  away  from  temptation.  Nor,  in  one  respect  at 
least,  was  this  at  all  difficult.  I  had  not  found  the  officers 
of  the  garrison  sufficiently  cordial  to  tempt  me  by  the 
pleasure  of  their  society.  Apparently  they  retained  much 
doubt  as  to  the  real  purpose  of  my  being  in  Detroit,  and 
were  not  averse  to  making  a  Frenchman  feel  his  natural 
inferiority.  Major  Gladwyn  had  grudgingly  granted  me 
quarters,  it  is  true,  and  I  had  chosen  them  as  far  away 
from  all  others  as  possible,  but  there  had  been  little  spirit 
of  courtesy  shown  in  the  assignment,  and  I  resented  the 
manner  in  which  it  was  done.  I  messed  with  the  riflemen, 
but  Durand  and  the  doctor  alone  among  the  officers,  ex- 
hibited any  desire  to  cultivate  my  friendship,  and  under 
such  circumstances  I  did  not  greatly  encourage  even  them. 
Indeed,  I  preferred  being  alone.  Maitland  shook  hands 
with  me,  muttering  a  perfunctory  word  of  thanks  for  my 
aid  to  his  sister,  but  he  was  too  much  of  a  boy  to  be  taken 
seriously,  and  I  clearly  understood  he  would  much  prefer 
kicking  me.  Challoner  was  cordial  enough  in  his  way,  but 
a  trifle  stiff  and  formal,  now  that  he  was  back  in  uniform 
and  command.  I  met  him  occasionally  for  a  word,  but  soon 
grew  to  avoiding  him  whenever  possible.  Indeed,  he  was 
seldom  outside  his  quarters  except  when  in  company  with 
either  Mademoiselle  or  Rene,  and  upon  such  occasions  I 
felt  happier  within  the  security  of  my  own  room. 


388  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

I  was  not  exactly  afraid  of  myself  —  I  really  had  nothing 
to  be  afraid  of;  yet  I  felt  this  to  be  the  easiest  method 
for  us  all.  The  past  was  dead;  my  sole  desire  now  to  get 
as  far  away  from  it  as  possible.  No  doubt  it  was  hers  also, 
and  in  this  I  could  continue  to  serve  her.  The  very  cor- 
diality of  her  manner,  her  warmly  expressed  friendship, 
held  me  aloof  as  no  coldness  on  her  part  could  have  done. 
I  could  not  take  advantage  of  her  natural  gratitude  for  ser- 
vices rendered,  nor  add  to  my  own  despair  by  seeking  the 
slightest  intimacy.  I  heard  their  engagement  discussed 
again  and  again,  and  this  certainty  of  the  utter  hopelessness 
of  any  ambition  on  my  part,  only  served  to  render  me  more 
anxious  to  avoid  all  needless  contact  with  them.  If  I  could 
only  have  gotten  away  and  discovered  some  fresh  interest 
elsewhere,  the  struggle  would  have  proven  less  hard.  But 
there  I  was  compelled  to  remain,  neither  prisoner  nor  free, 
viewing  her  almost  daily,  even  while  I  made  every  endeavor 
that  she  should  not  see  me.  Is  there  any  torturer  as  merci- 
less as  that  demon  we  call  love? 

In  all  these  years  since  I  have  never  had  cause  to  regret 
that  I  did  then  as  my  conscience  bade  me.  Yet  it  was  not 
in  the  nature  of  things  that  a  day  of  reckoning  should  not 
arrive.  With  what  wealth  of  detail  I  recall  it,  a  day  mo- 
mentous enough  in  the  history  of  the  siege.  The  sun  was 
already  beginning  to  lower,  its  golden  light  shimmering 
along  the  narrow  streets,  when  some  unusual  happening 
attracted  my  attention  toward  the  western  gate.  A  glance 
told  me  an  event  causing  some  excitement  was  occurring, 
although  it  was  not  until  I  was  well  out  in  the  open  that  I 
was  able  to  distinguish  anything  in  detail.  The  usual  guard 
along  the  palisade  had  apparently  been  doubled,  a  group  of 
blue- jacketed  artillerymen  were  at  the  brass  piece  above  the 
gate,  while  a  company  of  riflemen,  their  dark-green  uniforms 
conspicuous  against  the  whitewashed  walls,  were  leaning  on 
their  guns  in  front  of  the  guardhouse.  Near  by  was  a  con- 


The  Return  of  the  Prodigal  389 

siderable  cluster  of  officers,  Gladwyn,  attired  in  full  dress, 
prominent  among  them,  but  I  preferred  questioning  Durand, 
who  was  in  charge  of  his  rifle  company. 

"  Flag  coming  in  with  prisoners,  they  tell  me,"  he  re- 
sponded shortly.  "  Been  signalling  for  an  hour.  Acted  as 
if  the  fellows  were  afraid,  but  they  are  out  in  the  open  now, 
making  for  the  gate." 

"Many?" 

"  Can't  tell.  Appears  to  be  quite  a  bunch  in  the  party,  but 
how  many  are  prisoners  remains  to  be  seen.  Old  man  has 
got  his  best  duds  on,  and  is  n't  taking  any  chances,  judging  by 
the  guard  of  honor  he  has  turned  out  to  receive  the  fellows. 
Just  look  at  that  bunch  of  staff  officers  behind  him  —  could  n't 
do  much  better  if  the  King  were  coming  this  way." 

"  Are  they  nearly  here  ?  "  sung  out  Gladwyn  impatiently. 

"  Stopped  again,  sir,"  returned  a  disgusted  voice  from 
over  the  gate,  where  the  gunners  were  posted.  "  Seem  to 
be  afraid  of  something." 

"  What  in  thunder  is  the  matter  with  the  fools  ?  "  mut- 
tered the  irate  Commander,  staring  about  uneasily  at  his 
staff.  "  Do  they  suppose  we  want  to  stand  here  waiting 
for  them  all  day  ?  Wave  them  to  come  along  in,  Lieutenant." 

"  They  've  started  again,  sir.  They  will  be  here  in  a 
minute." 

"  Throw  open  the  smaller  gate,"  commanded  Gladwyn 
shortly.  "  Have  the  leader  come  in  alone  until  we  learn  the 
nature  of  his  errand.  Attention,  company !  " 

With  a  sudden  flash  of  their  brown  rifles  in  the  sunshine 
the  line  of  riflemen  stiffened  into  a  solid  green  wall,  while 
Durand  passed  down  their  front,  his  sword  at  present. 
There  followed  a  moment  of  expectant  silence,  every  eye 
fastened  upon  that  narrow  opening  leading  through  the 
palisades.  Then,  in  under  that  guarded  entrance,  nervously 
glancing  this  way  and  that,  in  surprise  at  so  unexpected  a 
military  display,  tripping  awkwardly  over  the  long  scab- 


39°  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

bard  dangling  between  his  legs,  his  great  sword  held  stiffly 
out  before  him,  adorned  with  a  large  white  rag,  came  Mon- 
sieur Iitienne  Quilleriez,  Commissary  for  Pontiac.  Never 
did  I  behold  the  fellow  when  he  appeared  more  supremely 
ridiculous,  his  boldly  flaunting  ribbons  and  reckless  strut 
promptly  given  the  lie  by  his  uneasy  shifting  eyes,  and 
cheeks  blanched  with  fear.  Had  he  been  marching  to  his 
own  funeral  he  would  have  presented  a  far  merrier  sight. 
And  once  within  he  stopped  there,  staring  weakly  around 
at  the  many  faces,  unable  to  determine  who  it  was  he  should 
address,  bowing  to  right  and  left  like  a  jumping- jack,  his 
lips  shaking  as  though  he  had  a  palsy.  Gladwyn's  surprised 
face  became  purple  as  he  viewed  him,  a  dim  suspicion  creep- 
ing into  his  mind  that  this  was  some  practical  joke. 

"  What  does  all  this  mean  ? "  he  roared  in  sudden  ex- 
plosion. "  Who  are  you,  sir  ?  " 

Instantly  attracted  by  this  authoritative  voice,  Monsieur 
Quilleriez  waved  his  rag  vigorously  in  the  other's  face, 
much  as  a  Spanish  bull-fighter  endeavors  to  awaken  the 
lagging  interest  of  his  beast. 

"  A  flag  of  truce,  your  excellency,"  he  explained  in  trem- 
bling tones.  "  A  flag  of  truce,  such  as  is  recognized  by  all 
civilized  nations,  as  you  will  observe  in  the  pages  of  La 
Savere." 

"  Don't  you  suppose  I  can  see  that  ? "  snorted  the  now 
thoroughly  aroused  Commander,  completely  convinced  by 
this  time  that  he  was  being  made  sport  of.  "  Take  that 
confounded  rag  away;  take  it  away,  some  of  you.  Saint 
Andrew!  did  any  one  ever  before  see  such  a  blame  little 
fool!  Do  you  imagine  I  am  blind,  sir?  What  does  your 
flag  mean  ?  Who  are  you,  anyway  ?  " 

The  greatly  discomfited  Commissary,  stripped  of  his 
weapon  by  a  stalwart  sergeant,  bowed  until  his  hat  swept 
the  ground,  his  uplifted  shoulders  seeming  almost  to  meet 
above  his  head. 


The  Return  of  the  Prodigal  391 

"  I  am  Monsieur  ]±tienne  Quilleriez,  your  excellency,"  he 
confessed  humbly.  "  A  Canadian  of  most  excellent  family, 
and  a  trader  of  established  reputation." 

"Quilleriez?"  ejaculated  Gladwyn.  "Quilleriez?  Oh, 
I  've  heard  about  you,  sir.  You  are  allied  with  that  red 
villain,  Pontiac." 

Monsieur  Quilleriez  cringed  backward  before  the  stern, 
threatening  face  fronting  him,  but  he  had  now  found  his 
voice,  and  felt  a  returning  confidence  that  it  would  extricate 
him  from  the  difficulty. 

"  Merely  in  a  most  subordinate  capacity,  your  excellency," 
he  hastened  to  explain,  wringing  his  hands  vigorously.  "  I 
have  indeed  been  urged'most  strongly  —  although  I  hesitate 
to  mention  the  matter  —  to  devote  my  well-known  military 
talents  to  the  cause  of  the  savages.  But  I  have  sternly  re- 
fused, merely  consenting  to  supply  them  with  the  actual 
necessaries  of  life.  In  this  humanity  alone  has  influenced 
my  actions,  for  it  is  not  meet  that  even  an  untutored  savage 
should  be  permitted  to  perish  of  starvation.  All  authorities 
agree  that  they  are  likewise  God's  creatures." 

I  doubt  if  Gladwyn  understood  a  word  of  the  fellow's  glib 
speech.  At  least  not  the  slightest  gleam  of  intelligence 
swept  across  his  face,  which  remained  black  as  a  thunder 
cloud. 

"  You  had  a  house  up  the  river  ?  " 

"  I  have,  your  excellency,  a  humble,  yet  sufficient  dwelling 
for  one  of  my  simple  tastes.  Living  thus,  constantly  sur- 
rounded by  these  Indians,  it  was  largely  in  self-defence 
that  I  consented  even  to  this  small  alliance.  You  will 
appreciate  my  feelings.  As  a  white  man,  connected,  I  may 
proudly  say,  by  close  ties  of  blood  with  the  noblesse  of 
Europe,  my  sympathies  must  ever  remain  loyal  to  my  own 
race,  but,  as  La  Savere  beautifully  says,  discretion  at  times 
is  of  more  importance  than  mere  physical  courage." 

"  Will  you  ever  be  done  your  preaching,  man,  and  answer 


392  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

me  plainly?  Saint  Andrew!  half  the  Detroit  garrison  is 
gathered  here,  and  we  have  not  this  whole  day  to  waste. 
What  are  you  with  Pontiac  ?  " 

"  I  am  in  charge  of  his  commissariat  department." 

"  Poof !  and  is  that  all  ?  I  thought  from  your  ribbons 
you  might  be  his  General-in-Chief.  Saint  Andrew!  your 
sword  was  long  enough.  Well,  Monsieur  Commissary  Quil- 
leriez,  for  what  special  purpose  has  Pontiac  despatched  you 
to  me?  It  must  indeed  be  of  some  importance  to  risk  so 
valuable  a  life." 

"  It  was  not  Pontiac,  your  excellency,"  and  the  little  man 
swelled  out  his  chest,  as  he  began  to  appreciate  the  impor- 
tant part  he  was  bearing  in  this  impressive  military  cere- 
mony, his  goggle  eyes  roving  over  that  motionless  line  of 
men.  "  I  came  only  in  obedience  to  the  dictates  of  con- 
science, seeking  to  return  unto  his  own  people  a  poor  un- 
fortunate whom  I  found  wandering  in  the  woods.  Mercy, 
as  La  Savere  writes,  is  ever  most  soldierly,  and  no  one  can 
truthfully  say  he  ever  discovered  Etienne  Quilleriez  to  be 
heartless  in  the  presence  of  suffering." 

"  An  unfortunate?  You  mean  you  have  brought  in  to  us 
a  crazed  white  man  ?  " 

Monsieur  Quilleriez  nodded  emphatically,  placing  one 
hand  upon  his  own  bald  pate  to  make  his  meaning  more 
clear. 

"  Cracked ;  a  most  sad  case.  I  contemplate  it  in  tears, 
Monsieur.  What  can  be  more  melancholy  than  the  sight 
of  a  human  temple  thus  desolated?  I  have  considered  it  a 
mercy  thus  to  return  him  to  the  care  of  his  own  people." 

"  How  many  men  are  with  you  ?  " 

"  Six,  Monsieur  —  at  times  he  becomes  quite  violent." 

Gladwyn  glanced  about  him,  his  eyes  straying  down  that 
motionless  line  of  riflemen,  then  up  at  those  gunners  clus- 
tered above  the  gate. 

"  Captain  Durand,  have  them  bring  in  the  prisoner." 


The  Return  of  the  Prodigal  393 

There  was  a  sturdy  tramp  of  heavy  feet,  and  almost 
immediately  the  six  gray-coated,  red-capped  Canadians,  a 
hang-dog  looking  crew,  their  curious  glances  shifting  here 
and  there,  came  marching  through  the  opening,  three  upon 
each  side  of  the  poor  fellow  they  guarded,  and  every  one 
keeping  well  beyond  reach  of  him.  A  single  glance,  and 
I  recognized  our  visitant.  His  clothes  the  merest  tatters, 
his  head  bare,  with  the  red  mat  of  hair  long  and  straggling 
from  neglect,  his  face  browned  by  the  sun,  yet  looking  round 
and  hearty,  his  blue  eyes  dancing  with  unalloyed  enjoyment, 
walked  jauntily  Corporal  Cassadi,  late  of  the  Foot  Regiment 
of  Pointiers. 

Gladwyn's  stern  face  softened,  and  he  gazed  at  him  com- 
passionately, evidently  impressed  by  the  wild  appearance  of 
the  man,  and  not  knowing  how  best  to  address  one  in  his 
unfortunate  mental  condition.  But  the  silence  was  impres- 
sive, and  must  be  broken. 

"  My  poor  fellow,"  he  ventured  at  last,  his  words  and 
manner  full  of  sympathy  for  so  much  suffering,  "  you  are 
now  among  friends,  and  have  nothing  to  fear.  The  officer 
who  has  so  kindly  brought  you  in  to  us,  informs  me  that 
your  mind  has  been  somewhat  affected  by  what  you  have 
gone  through,  but  no  doubt  we  can  very  soon  remedy  that." 

Cassady's  eyes,  shifting  from  face  to  face  in  that  group 
about  him,  as  though  in  search  for  some  familiar  counte- 
nance, settled  at  last  upon  the  speaker. 

"An'  who  tould  ye  Oi  wus  daffy,  sorr?"  he  questioned 
indignantly.  "  Wus  it,  be  the  token,  thet  little  whiffet  over 
beyant?" 

"  He  merely  suggested  that  you  might  be,"  explained  the 
surorised  Commander  soothingly,  yet  taking  a  step  back- 
ward before  the  other's  threatening  appearance.  "  He  was 
very  considerate  toward  you." 

"  Considerate,  wus  he,  the  little  runt,"  and  the  Corporal 
snorted  disdainfully.  "  Be  all  the  powers,  av  coorse  he  wus, 


394  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

yer  honor.  Holy  Mother !  why  should  n't  he  be  ?  It 's  f oine 
f rinds  we  've  bin  f er  many  a  wake,  ain't  it,  Quill,  me  buck  ? 
Spake  oop  now,  an'  don't  be  bashful  afore  the  gintlemin. 
Ah,  to  say  him  a-standin'  thar  now  loike  a  bould  sojer  bye, 
wid  his  chist  flung  out,  an'  his  hed  hild  sthraight  oop  in  the 
air,  ye  niver  wud  think  how  he  wus  sufferin'  et  this  sad 
partin' ;  ye  wud  not.  Be  hivins,  but  it 's  hard  on  him !  It 's 
loike  two  paes  in  a  pod  we  've  bin  since  the  furst  toime  we 
met.  Do  ye  moind  the  toime,  Quilly,  ould  man,  thet  ye  took 
the  run  uv  a  moile  an  a  half  through  the  dark  hollow? 
Bedad,  no  one  wud  ever  hav'  belaved  ye  cud  hav'  dun  it 
to  look  at  yer  legs.  Faith,  but  ye  're  a  foine  sprinter,  me 
bye.  An'  all  I  ever  wanted  uv  ye  that  night  wus  a  kiss 
from  them  ruby  lips,  but  ye  wus  thet  bashful  I  cud  niver 
ketch  oop.  Shure  't  is  hard  to  think  them  toimes  is  all  over 
wid  now,  but  chare  oop,  Quill,  me  bye." 

As  he  was  thus  speaking,  step  by  step  he  drew  down  upon 
the  horrified  Quilleriez,  who  backed  vigorously  into  the  line 
of  soldiers,  his  hands  fumbling  at  his  rosary,  his  face  grow- 
ing ashen.  By  a  sudden  movement  the  Irishman  came  within 
reach  of  the  little  shrinking  fool,  and  chucked  him  playfully 
in  the  ribs. 

"  Ah,  now,  don't  be  takin'  on  so,  Quilly,  me  lad,  here 
before  folks,"  he  insisted  consolingly.  "  It 's  brakin'  me 
own  fond  hart,  ye  are,  whin  Oi  nade  all  uv  me  strength  to 
perform  the  duty  uv  this  sad  hour  uv  partin'.  O  Quill, 
O  Quill,  I  cud  fall  upon  yer  bosom  an'  wape !  " 

So  threatening  were  the  loving  gestures  of  the  insistent 
Corporal  that  the  Commissary  could  stand  the  strain  no 
longer.  With  a  howl  of  despair  he  broke  loose,  and  ran 
across,  appealing  to  Gladwyn  for  protection. 

"  Take  him  away,  Monsieur ;  take  him  away !  Holy 
Saint  Mary !  have  somebody  hold  that  crazy  fool !  " 

That  Gladwyn  disliked  to  approach  either  was  evident 
enough,  for  he  drew  back  sharply,  waving  aside  the  implor- 


The  Return  of  the  Prodigal  395 

ing  Quilleriez,  while  his  gaze  never  deserted  the  still  in- 
sistent Irishman.  How  the  situation  might  have  ended  I 
know  not,  for  at  that  very  moment  Rene  flashed  suddenly 
past  us,  her  skirts  fluttering  with  the  rapidity  of  her  move- 
ments, her  cheeks  aflame,  her  brown  eyes  dancing  from 
excitement. 

"  Jacques,"  she  cried  eagerly,  "  Jacques !  " 

In  another  instant,  just  as  a  child  might  respond  to  the 
call  of  its  mother,  he  was  down  upon  his  knees  before  her, 
his  lips  pressing  the  skirt  of  her  dress,  his  blue  eyes,  the 
roguery  all  gone  out  of  them,  swimming  with  tears. 

"  Mademoiselle  Rene,"  he  sobbed,  his  voice  trembling 
piteously.  "  May  the  Mother  uv  God  be  blessin'  ye  for 
ever!" 

She  could  not  speak.  Twice  she  tried  to  do  so,  her 
white  hand  resting  caressingly  upon  his  dishevelled  hair, 
her  brown  eyes  moist,  the  salty  drops  stealing  unchecked 
down  her  cheeks.  It  was  Gladwyn  who  first  recovered  his 
voice. 

"  You  know  this  man  ?  " 

She  bowed  to  him  in  silence,  her  fingers  yet  stroking  the 
coarse,  red  hair. 

"  Saint  Andrew !  't  was  some  very  strange  associates  you 
ladies  must  have  made  upon  your  travels.  First  that  ci- 
devant  French  Captain,  and  now  this  mongrel,  crazy  fellow. 
But  what  shall  we  do  with  the  poor  fool  ? " 

Cassady  rose  slowly  to  his  feet,  as  wild-looking  a  figure 
in  his  dirt  and  rags  as  could  well  be  imagined,  yet  I  marked 
his  eyes  were  clear  and  his  look  straightforward. 

"  Oi  'm  not  crazy,"  he  said  deliberately. 

"  Oh,  yes  you  are,  my  man,  but  there  is  no  occasion  to 
worry  about  it.  A  little  rest,  with  plenty  of  good  food  will 
bring  you  out  all  right." 

"  But,  bedad,  Oi  tell  ye  Oi  'm  not.  Oi  may  be  crazy  as 
a  bedbug  out  yonder  —  it 's  associatin'  wid  the  loikes  uv 


396  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

thet  Quill,  no  doubt  —  but  in  here  Oi  've  got  all  the  sinse 
ever  Oi  hed,  which,  be  me  sowl,  wus  not  over  much." 

Gladwyn  gazed  at  him  in  perplexity,  clearly  puzzled  by 
his  words  and  manner.  Then  his  eyes  wandered  across 
those  faces  grouped  about  him  in  curiosity.  All  at  once  he 
perceived  Dr.  Carver. 

"  Come  here,"  he  called  out  testily,  perceiving  a  way  out 
of  his  dilemma.  "  Tell  me  what  you  make  out  of  this 
fellow." 

For  a  moment  those  two  eyed  each  other,  much  like  two 
prize-fighters  seeking  opportunity  for  a  blow,  the  doctor's 
eyes  twinkling  merrily  from  under  his  bushy  brows,  those 
of  the  Irishman  defiantly  mocking.  Then  the  latter  delib- 
erately winked,  and  Carver  wheeled  about  with  a  snort. 

"  Well  ?  "  questioned  the  Commander  shortly. 

"  He 's  a  scamp,  sir." 

"  Not  crazy,  you  mean  ?  " 

"  I  've  got  more  fears  about  you  than  I  have  of  him  — 
that  look  in  your  eye  now  is  a  mighty  bad  symptom,  to  my 
notion." 

Gladwyn  stared  angrily  at  him,  his  face  growing  purple, 
but  before  he  could  find  his  tongue,  Monsieur  Quilleriez, 
bowing  humbly,  interfered. 

"  Your  excellency,"  he  said  softly,  "  having  safely  deliv- 
ered up  our  prisoner,  we  will  now  retire.  La  Savere  states 
most  plainly  that  a  flag  of  truce  should  be  made  as  brief 
as  possible." 

"  Retire  ?  I  've  got  a  good  notion  to  hang  you  for  bring- 
ing in  such  a  scoundrel  at  all,"  roared  Gladwyn,  apparently 
glad  to  discover  some  safe  outlet  for  his  rage.  "  Retire  ? 
you  little,  measly,  sawed-off  runt!  Retire?  Yes,  sir  —  get 
out ;  get  out  quick !  It  would  n't  be  worth  the  trouble  to 
hang  you,  for  all  the  harm  you  '11  ever  do." 

The  Commissary,  thoroughly  frightened  at  such  unex- 
pected display  of  violence,  shrank  backward,  yet  he  lost  no 


The  Return  of  the  Prodigal  397 

time  in  grasping  the  opportunity  granted  for  escape.  As  the 
little  squad  hurried  toward  the  gate,  I  succeeded  in  coming 
close  beside  him. 

"  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  I  called.     "  Monsieur  Quilleriez." 

He  glanced  uneasily  around  at  the  sudden  sound  of  my 
voice.  For  the  moment  he  failed  to  recognize  me;  then 
he  stiffened  haughtily. 

"  Monsieur  Quilleriez,"  I  persisted,  "  I  can  find  out  for 
you  now,  which  one  is  the  heiress." 

He  never  looked  around ;  with  head  erect,  and  chest  ex- 
panded, seemingly  totally  oblivious  to  all  other  presence,  he 
tramped  haughtily  through  the  open  gateway.  I  climbed 
the  palisades,  to  where  the  watchful  gunners  waited,  and 
followed  with  my  eyes  that  little  gray  squad  as  they  marched 
across  the  open.  At  the  edge  of  the  woods  one  among  them 
stopped,  and  shook  his  shining  sword  savagely  toward  the 
silent  stockade.  The  next  moment  all  alike  had  vanished 
within  the  dark  cover  of  the  forest.  It  was  my  final  glimpse 
of  Monsieur  Etienne  Quilleriez. 


CHAPTER   XXXVIII 

BENEATH   THE  PURPLE  TWILIGHT 

FROM  my  point  of  vantage  above  the  gate  I  idly  watched 
those  below  me  as  they  slowly  dispersed.  Cassady 
accompanied  Rene,  much  as  though  she  had  claimed  pos- 
session of  him ;  nor  had  the  fellow  apparently  eyes  for  any 
one  else,  although  those  he  met  as  he  pushed  his  way  on- 
ward gazed  at  him  with  much  curiosity.  At  the  corner  of 
that  narrow  lane  down  which  they  disappeared,  on  their  way 
to  where  the  ladies  had  apartments,  I  saw  Lieutenant  Chal- 
loner  join  them,  and  at  his  side  instantly  noted  the  presence 
of  Mademoiselle. 

Even  this  distant  glimpse  of  her  robbed  me  of  all  further 
interest  in  what  was  taking  place  beneath.  I,  at  least,  had 
no  part  in  it,  and  the  old  uneasiness,  the  desire  to  be  alone 
with  my  thoughts,  swept  across  me  with  irresistible  power. 
There  are  moods  when  human  companionship  is  torture, 
when  the  battling  soul  seeks  nothing  so  much  as  solitude 
—  when  lonely  forest  or  trackless  waste  of  sea  form  its  fit 
environment.  It  was  such  a  mood  which  now  oppressed 
me,  born  from  the  memory  of  all  that  had  been  denied  me, 
awakened  instantly  by  the  distant  flutter  of  a  woman's 
skirt. 

I  pressed  my  way  along  the  narrow  footboard,  my  head 
level  with  the  sharpened  tops  of  the  palisades.  Here  and 
there  a  sentinel  on  duty  silently  made  way  for  me  to  slip 
past  him,  while  occasionally  one  would  venture  to  question 
me  regarding  the  strange  happenings  about  the  gate.  After 
I  had  clambered  through  the  deserted  blockhouse  at  the 


Beneath  the  Purple  Twilight  399 

corner,  and  turned  eastward  along  the  line  of  the  southern 
stockade,  these  watchers  became  fewer,  and  finally  ceased 
altogether  as  I  drew  near  to  where  the  palisades  ended  upon 
the  bank  of  the  river.  Here,  except  in  cases  of  emergency, 
no  sentinels  were  kept  posted  during  the  hours  of  daylight, 
and  within  the  sharp  angle  of  the  wall  there  was  a  rude 
bench,  screened  from  observation  except  from  the  river  side. 
It  had  long  been  a  favored  spot  with  me,  and  for  many 
an  hour  had  I  hung  over  those  sharpened  palisades,  gazing 
upon  that  fair  scene  unrolled  without,  and  lazily  commun- 
ing with  my  own  thoughts.  This  day  —  oppressed  as  I  was 
from  that  fleeting  glimpse  of  Mademoiselle  —  I  perceived 
these  beauties  of  nature  but  vaguely,  my  mind  a  chaos  of 
conflicting  emotions.  I  am  aware  I  was  far  from  forming 
a  heroic  figure  as  I  thus  lingered,  bemoaning  my  ill-fortune, 
yet  nevertheless  I  was  a  most  natural  one  —  utterly  helpless 
either  to  face  my  fate  or  to  flee  from  it ;  as  hapless  a  prisoner 
as  any  the  besieging  savages  held  that  day  in  all  Detroit. 

Yet  it  was  never  in  my  nature  to  remain  long  depressed, 
and  slowly,  as  had  happened  often  before,  the  subtle  charm 
of  that  outspread  scene  of  wilderness  beauty  stole  in  upon 
my  awakening  senses,  bringing  with  it  rest  and  peace. 
Surely  no  intelligent  eye  could  remain  insensible  to  so  fair 
a  landscape,  to  such  marvellous  contrasts  of  shade  and  sun- 
shine, of  wood  and  plain  and  river,  as  smiled  softly  back  at 
me  beneath  that  fleckless  arch  of  blue.  The  round  sun  was 
slowly  sinking  in  the  far  west,  its  dazzle  of  gold  merging 
into  a  deep  red,  as  though  a  mist  partially  veiled  its  face 
ere  it  should  sink  utterly  behind  that  fringe  of  dark  forest 
whose  gloomy  shadows  already  stretched  far  out  across  the 
open.  The  many  streaming  lights,  some  broad,  some  nar- 
row, were  playing  as  with  fairy  fingers  over  the  variegated 
grass  land,  over  the  yellow  clay  of  the  exposed  side  hills, 
and  over  the  wide  sweep  of  moving  water,  all  of  which  were 
touched  here  and  there  with  most  oddly  mingled  coloring, 


A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

purple  and  gold,  red  and  gray  being  blended  into  a  fantastic 
background,  upon  which  Nature  had  sketched  a  royal  pic- 
ture. There  were  wide  sweeps  of  prairie,  the  green  grasses 
rippling  in  the  wind,  or  showing  yellow  to  the  kiss  of  the 
fading  sun  —  now  a  bald  hill,  rock-strewn  and  full  of  per- 
plexing shadows,  with  spots  shining  like  silver;  now  a  field 
brilliant  with  wild  flowers,  every  tint  distinctly  marked; 
now  a  depression  sharp  enough  to  leave  a  line  of  plainly 
defined  blackness,  with  perchance  a  gleam  of  tantalizing 
water  in  its  half-hidden  heart,  where  some  merry  cascade 
leaped  to  its  secret  covert  below.  Again  were  the  scattered 
groves  of  trees,  huddling  together  like  sheep  at  the  coming 
of  night,  all  aglow  with  sunset  along  their  upper  branches, 
and  beneath  sombre  with  the  deepening  shadows.  Far,  far 
away,  league  upon  league,  swept  that  same  recurring  scene, 
outspread  to  the  distant  horizon,  toning  into  softer  colors, 
more  neutral  tints,  as  the  vision  extended,  until  all  of  form 
became  finally  merged  into  the  prevailing  gray  of  the  Sum- 
mer twilight.  Through  it  all,  like  some  majestic  thing  of 
life,  silent,  masterful,  sublime,  rolled  the  broad  river,  a  vast 
sheet  of  burnished  silver,  the  intense  loneliness  of  its  waters 
only  making  more  manifest  the  solemnity  of  its  beauty. 
Rarest  coloring  leaped  forth  from  out  its  restless  waves, 
dancing  like  sprites  from  shore  to  shore,  or  lurking  be- 
neath the  deeper  shadows  of  the  banks,  while  the  tiny  islet 
fust  below  mirrored  its  green  loveliness,  until  one  scarcely 
knew  the  reality  from  image. 

The  captivating  spell  of  it  was  upon  me,  yet  out  from  the 
very  midst  of  that  dream,  some  near  presence,  unseen  yet 
dimly  felt,  led  me  to  glance  behind  me  within  the  stockade. 
Instantly  my  mind  was  swept  clear  of  reverie  —  there,  look- 
ing up  at  me,  her  hand  shading  her  eyes  from  the  sun, 
stood  Mademoiselle.  I  saw  her  smile  at  the  bewildered 
look  upon  my  face,  but  her  words  were  most  pleasant  and 
gracious. 


J(/fT  eyes  —  hungry  with  love  —  were 
that  face  beside  me."  —  Page  401 


Beneath  the  Purple  Twilight  401 

"  One  could  easily  envy  you  your  thought,  Monsieur," 
she  said  gently,  "  judging  merely  from  the  impression  it  has 
left  upon  your  face." 

"  It  was  the  rare  beauty  of  the  scene,"  I  answered,  placed 
instantly  at  my  ease  by  her  cordial  manner.  "  It  held  me 
so  completely  in  thrall,  that  I  had  long  ago  ceased  to  think, 
being  content  merely  to  dream." 

"  Yes,  I  know,"  and  her  eyes  brightened  from  the  awak- 
ened memory.  "  I  have  more  than  once  viewed  the  sunset 
from  this  same  corner,  and  it  has  charmed  me  into  being 
a  dreamer  also.  Such  dreams  are  more  welcome  than  most 
thoughts ;  they  bring  us  nearer  our  ideals.  May  I  not  join 
you,  Monsieur  ?  " 

I  assisted  her  to  mount  the  rude  steps,  my  heart  throbbing 
to  the  seemingly  unconscious  pressure  of  her  hand.  For 
several  minutes  she  leaned  silent  above  the  palisades,  her 
eyes  upon  that  marvellous  picture,  her  soul  upon  a  voyage 
of  its  own.  Little  by  little,  as  we  hung  there  speechless,  the 
gathering  twilight  slowly  began  to  work  its  miracle  of  trans- 
formation, blotting  out  those  glowing  colors  of  the  sunset 
with  a  brush  of  brown,  and  concealing  hill  and  valley,  wood 
and  river  behind  the  deepening  curtain  of  the  night.  I 
barely  marked  such  change  unconsciously,  for  my  own  eyes 
—  hungry  with  love  —  were  upon  that  face  beside  me,  its 
clear,  pure  outlines  silhouetted  against  the  sky.  It  scarcely 
seemed  to  me  now  as  the  same  face  I  had  viewed  before  — 
that  face  which  had  been  so  cold  and  emotionless,  so  dis- 
dainful and  proud.  Something  undefinable,  something  new, 
had  crept  into  the  life  and  changed  it  for  the  better  —  had 
softened  the  contour,  had  modified  the  proud  curve  of  the 
lips,  the  haughtiness  of  the  eye.  Infinitely  sweeter,  more 
lovable,  more  tender,  was  this  fair  lady  of  Detroit,  from  her 
whom  I  had  known  in  far  Chartres.  Somewhere  along  those 
leagues  of  wilderness  she  had  come  into  the  inheritance  of 
her  nobler  womanhood.  I  could  see  this,  feel  it,  yet  in 

26 


402  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

jealous  memory  of  Challoner  such  knowledge  came  to  me 
only  as  a  pain.  At  last  she  turned  suddenly,  her  parted  lips 
breathing  a  sigh,  as  though  she  deserted  her  pleasant  dream- 
ing with  regret.  What  she  may  have  read  in  that  first  swift 
glimpse  within  my  face  I  know  not,  but  her  eyes  fell,  her 
cheeks  flushed  crimson. 

"  The  memory  of  such  a  scene  of  border  beauty,"  she 
said  quickly,  as  if  eager  to  hide  her  confusion  in  speech, 
"  will  go  far  toward  rewarding  me  for  all  the  rigors  of  this 
long,  tiresome  siege.  Alas!  there  is  little  enough  else  I 
shall  be  able  to  take  back  with  me." 

"  I  must  disagree  with  you,  Mademoiselle,"  I  ventured, 
"  for  I  was  reading  within  your  face  as  you  stood  there  the 
marks  of  a  new  character,  which  experience  in  this  land 
has  brought  you." 

"  A  new  character !  "  and  her  gray  eyes  opened  wide  at 
my  unexpected  words.  "  Can  it  be  that  you  jest,  Monsieur? 
Or  in  what  way  have  I  so  greatly  altered  ?  " 

"  One  can  see  and  feel  much  which  it  is  difficult  to 
define  in  words.  These  weeks  have  also  changed  me.  I 
confess  to  being  an  utterly  different  man  from  what  I  was 
that  night  you  danced  with  me  so  unwillingly  far  away  at 
Fort  Chartres.  And  you  have  changed  likewise,  Mademoi- 
selle, and  for  the  better.  You  are  not  less  proud,  perhaps, 
but  you  have  become  more  tender  of  heart,  more  considerate 
in  speech." 

She  looked  at  me  earnestly,  and  I  could  see  she  knew  not 
what  best  to  say,  the  very  earnestness  of  my  manner  serving 
to  confuse  her. 

"  It  may  indeed  be  so,"  she  confessed  at  last,  "  for  suffer- 
ing is  said  to  teach  us  all  lessons  of  value.  Yet  such  a 
miracle  as  you  would  make  me  believe  has  been  wrought 
must  have  even  a  greater  cause.  If  I  am  in  truth  so  changed, 
what  has  changed  me  ?  " 

"  It  might  be  love,  Mademoiselle." 


Beneath  the  Purple  Twilight  403 

"  Love ! "  and  she  laughed  lightly,  although  her  eyes 
drooped.  "  Now  I  know  you  dream  —  the  spirit  of  that 
reverie  I  interrupted  must  still  be  upon  your  brain.  Love 
is  but  an  idle  word;  itself  a  fantasy,  oftentimes  as  sad  as 
sweet." 

"  When  hopeless,  yes,"  I  said,  wondering  at  her  mood ; 
"  but  the  great  moulder  of  character,  nevertheless." 

"  You  speak  as  though  you  knew  —  is  it  also  one  of  the 
mysterious  messengers  of  these  backwoods?" 

"  It  was  there  we  met,"  I  returned,  heedless  of  the  double 
meaning ;  "  but  I  doubt  being  able  to  escape  the  bondage 
even  by  a  return  to  civilization." 

I  know  not  if  she  understood,  for  her  face  was  turned 
aside,  her  eyes  gazing  upon  the  shining  river. 

"  The  dark  forests  are  filled  with  mystery,"  she  admitted 
at  last  soberly,  "  and  none  of  us  can  throw  off  at  once  the 
sombre  spell  of  their  influence.  Yet  surely  we  might  now 
converse  upon  happier  themes,  especially  as  we  see  each 
other  so  seldom.  Why  is  it,  Monsieur,  that  we  have  not 
met  during  all  these  weeks  of  prison?  I  have  thought  at 
times  you  purposely  avoided  me." 

"  If  so,  you  may  be  certain  there  was  a  cause." 

"  Indeed  ?  I  cannot  imagine  one,  unless  it  arose  from 
some  dislike  of  me." 

"  Which  Mademoiselle  does  not  in  the  least  believe  pos- 
sible," and  I  changed  position  so  that  I  could  again  face 
her.  "  I  dared  not  presume  upon  the  past  —  an  intimacy 
founded  upon  isolation  and  danger  —  nor  could  I  ignore 
the  social  abyss  yawning  between  us." 

"  Is  there  one,  Monsieur  ? "  and  her  gray  eyes  opened 
widely,  as  if  in  wonderment.  "  I  had  not  suspected  so 
grievous  a  thing.  You  surely  do  not  mean  any  gulf  of  my 
making?  Was  I  not  sufficiently  cordial  that  day  we  met 
in  the  mess-room?  Did  I  give  you  then  any  cause  to  feel 
that*  our  former  friendship  was  to  be  ended  ?  " 


4°4  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  No,  Mademoiselle,"  I  said,  hesitating  over  my  uncertain 
words,  "  it  was  from  no  fault  of  yours  —  the  abyss  I  refer 
to  was  there  long  before,  and  was  unsurmountable." 

"  And  I  knew  nothing  of  it ;  what  abyss  ?  " 

"  First,  that  of  wealth." 

"  Oh,  ah !  I  had  forgotten,"  and  her  voice  hardened  in- 
stantly. "  Dr.  Carver  informed  us  that  you  had  inherited 
a  large  property,  yet  I  had  never  supposed  that  would  affect 
your  past  friendships." 

"  It  was  not  my  wealth  to  which  I  referred,"  I  returned 
hastily,  "but  your  own." 

"  Mine !  You  joke,  Monsieur.  A  likely  story,  indeed, 
that  any  wealth  of  mine  should  intervene.  But  really  I 
grow  interested  in  these  excuses.  Have  you  yet  another  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Mademoiselle,"  feeling  somewhat  nettled  by  the 
carelessness  of  her  manner,  and  determined  now  to  give 
her  the  whole  story  plainly.  "  While  wandering  together 
in  the  wilderness,  and  at  Chartres,  the  one  great  gulf  be- 
tween us  was  wealth,  and  the  consequent  social  position 
(not  mine,  for  at  that  time  I  was  not  aware  I  possessed 
any) ;  later  it  became  even  more  impassable,  from  my  knowl- 
edge that  you  were  the  fiancee  of  Lieutenant  Challoner." 

She  stepped  back  from  me,  resting  one  white  hand  against 
the  brown  log,  her  eyes  filled  with  undisguised  amazement. 

"Who  told  you  that?" 

"  It  came  directly  from  Lieutenant  Challoner's  own  lips, 
Mademoiselle.  I  have  since  heard  it  repeatedly  discussed 
by  the  officers  of  this  garrison." 

"  Indeed !  They  are  exceedingly  free,"  and  her  form 
seemed  to  stiffen  with  indignation.  "  Would  you  kindly 
repeat  to  me  Lieutenant  Challoner's  exact  words  ?  " 

"  They  were  sufficiently  explicit  —  he  said  clearly,  '  Miss 
Maitland  is  my  fiancee.'  It  was  told  to  me  when  we  first 
met,  and  was  said  again  that  night  we  were  captives  to  the 
Indians." 


Beneath  the  Purple  Twilight  405 

She  drew  a  deep  breath,  and  again  turned  partially 
away  from  me,  leaning  heavily  against  the  logs.  I  waited 
anxiously  for  her  to  speak  some  word,  but  she  remained 
silent. 

"  Is  it  not  true,  Mademoiselle  ?  " 

She  turned  her  head  slightly,  and  glanced  aside  at  me,  a 
strange,  puzzling  look  in  her  eyes. 

"  Yes,  Monsieur,"  she  confessed  quietly,  "  it  is  true." 

"  Then  you  cannot  wonder  that  I  paused  upon  the  edge 
of  so  impassable  an  abyss  ?  " 

"  Instead,  Monsieur,"  and  I  could  not  rid  myself  of  the 
impression  that  her  low  voice  was  laughing  at  me,  "  I  con- 
sider your  conduct  most  inexplicable.  I  could  easily  under- 
stand how  this  might  have  interfered  with  your  friendship 
elsewhere,  but  I  utterly  fail  to  perceive  in  any  way  its  pos- 
sible connection  with  me." 

I  stared  at  her,  feeling  deeply  hurt  that  she  should  thus 
make  light  of  a  matter  which  to  me  was  of  so  serious  a 
nature.  She  smiled  inquiringly  into  my  troubled  eyes. 

"  But  —  but  you  —  you  just  acknowledged  that  you  were 
engaged  to  the  Englishman." 

"  You  must  have  misunderstood  me,  Monsieur.  I  said 
nothing  of  the  kind." 

"  Will  you  explain  ?  "  I  questioned  helplessly.  "  You 
already  have  me  so  thoroughly  tangled  that  I  know  not 
what  to  believe." 

(She  laughed,  the  bright  color  coming  back  to  her  cheeks 
as  if  by  some  magic. 

"  'T  is  so  extremely  simple,  Monsieur,  and  you  have 
been  so  exceedingly  dull,  that  now,  when  I  finally  compre- 
hend the  mystery  of  your  strange  reserve,  it  becomes  most 
oddly  amusing.  It  is  true  that  Lieutenant  Challoner's 
fiancee  is  Miss  Maitland,  the  Miss  Maitland.  Unfortu- 
nately, for  my  peace  of  mind,  I  am  merely  Miss  Alene 
Maitland." 


406  A  Sword  of  the  Old  Frontier 

"  Rene  ?    You  mean  Rene  ?  " 

"  I  mean  Rene,  Monsieur  —  Rene,  the  daughter  of  a 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  and  a  Baronet ;  Rene  the  heiress ;  Rene 
the  happy  toast  of  the  English  clubs."  She  swept  me  a 
curtsey,  drawing  back  her  skirts,  her  eyes  full  of  a  daring 
scorn.  "  While  I,  Monsieur  de  Coubert,  I  am  no  more  than 
the  poor  cousin,  the  travelling  companion,  whom  nobody 
seems  to  want." 

For  a  moment  my  heart  throbbed  so  that  it  was  impossible 
for  me  to  speak  those  words  that  burned  my  throat,  yet  her 
challenging  eyes  lost  their  daring,  and  drooped  before  my 
gaze.  Then  I  sprang  forward,  grasping  both  of  her  hands 
within  my  own.  An  instant  she  drew  back,  but  I  held  her 
helpless. 

"  But  I  want  you,  Mademoiselle,"  I  cried  eagerly,  peering 
into  that  downcast  face  she  sought  vainly  to  hide.  "  I  want 
you,  my  darling,  my  Alene;  I  want  you,  and  for  ever  as 
my  own." 

"  Are  you  sure?  "  she  questioned,  a  sob  in  her  soft  voice. 
"  Are  you  sure  ?  " 

"  Surer  than  of  anything  before  in  all  my  life,"  I  re- 
sponded earnestly,  now  venturing  to  press  her  unresisting 
form  within  my  arms.  "  I  have  been  sure  ever  since  that 
first  night  when  we  met  out  yonder  in  the  Illinois  country, 
and  when  you  despised  me  as  a  coureur  de  bois.  Ah,  my 
proud  lady  of  England,  have  you,  indeed,  forgotten  at  last 
that  I  am  a  Frenchman  ?  " 

Her  fair  head  resting  upon  my  shoulder,  she  glanced  slyly 
up  into  my  face,  and  behind  the  tears  glistening  upon  her 
long  lashes,  I  read  within  the  clear  depths  of  those  gray 
eyes  that  sweet  message  I  had  once  dreamed  about  in  far- 
off  Chartres. 

"  It  is  not  because  you  are  French,"  she  whispered  softly, 
"  but  because  I  love  you." 

Far,  far  away,  where  the  swiftly  gathering  haze  hung 


Beneath  the  Purple  Twilight  407 

most  heavily  between  us  and  the  horizon,  along  the  gleam- 
ing surface  of  the  silent  river,  a  dozen  dark  specks  swept 
into  our  view  against  the  purple  twilight.  At  early  dawn 
we  knew  they  were  the  boats  bearing  cautiously  northward 
Bradstreet's  regulars  for  the  relief  of  beleaguered  Detroit 


THE   END 


VI 


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